The Castle, St Helena

The view down Jacob's Ladder onto The Castle (between the gardens and the swimming pool)

The Castle is the main government building on the island of St Helena, located in the historic centre of the capital Jamestown, close to James Bay and the old town gate. The oldest parts of the complex date to 1710 but it was largely reconstructed in the 1860s because of termite damage. It does not have the appearance of a typical castle, though historically the site was part of the East India Company fortifications of Jamestown.

Originally the residence of the Governor of St Helena, it is today the location of many of the administrative offices of the island and of the territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, including the office of the Chief Secretary. Also part of the complex is Jamestown's police station, a library, the island's main courthouse and public gardens. Other buildings in Jamestown are also used to house government-related offices and functions.

The Castle is a Grade I Listed building.

References

• Map: 15°55’27"S, 5°43’4"W