Rupert's Bay

Rupert's Bay is on the northwest coast of St Helena, immediately to the northeast of James's Bay, separated from it by a headland.

Rupert's Valley runs down from the hills to the bay. Looking over it is a modest mountain named Rupert's Hill. All are believed to be named after Prince Rupert of the Rhine, cousin to Kings Charles II and James II and the famed Royalist commander in the Civil War. There is a local legend that when the Prince landed on St Helena on a voyage from India he came to this bay, though there is no evidence for it.

Neighbouring James's Bay and the island's capital Jamestown are named after Prince Rupert's cousin, James Duke of York (who became King James II) so the bay may be named by analogy. Prince Rupert was serving as a naval commander at the time St Helena was occupied, and Prince James was Lord High Admiral.

While James's Bay provides a busy anchorage for the island's only port, Rupert's Bay saw few ships until the construction of St Helena Airport began. In 2014, a new wharf was built in Rupert's Bay and huge quantities of concrete, heavy equipment and materials were unloaded here, to be taken up Rupert's Valley to Prosperous Bay Plain on the other side of the island, where no sheltered anchorage is to be found.

Outside links

• Location map: 15°55’3"N, 5°42’44"W