Clarendon (capital May Pen) is a parish in Jamaica. It is located on the south of the island, roughly half-way between the island’s eastern and western ends. Located in the county of Middlesex, it is bordered by Manchester on the west, Saint Catherine in the east, and in the north by Saint Ann.
Clarendon was named in honour of the Lord Chancellor Sir Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon. The most recent parish was formed from a combination of three parishes: St. Dorothy’s, Vere and the old parish of Clarendon. Before the merger, the capital was Chapelton. Clarendon Parish was one of the original seven Anglican parishes of Jamaica set up by Sir Thomas Modyford in 1664, and it has been reorganized numerous times since. Parish registers, which are records kept by the parish church of religious events such as baptisms, marriages, and burials, are still extant from Clarendon parish almost as far back as its foundation, with the first recorded baptism dated in 1666.
Covering an area of 1,196 km², Clarendon ranks as Jamaica’s third largest parish. The parish is predominantly a wide plain, marked by several rivers, including the Rio Minho River, which runs the length of the parish. Toward the northern end of the parish lies the Mocho Mountain, (2000 ft), and Bull Head Mountain range (2800 ft), which is considered to be the geographical centre of the island. The Vere plain is another significant geographical feature.
Portland Point, the southernmost point of Jamaica, is on a peninsula in Clarendon which also hosts Portland Point Lighthouse. On the same peninsula are Jackson Bay beach, the flood-prone community of Portland Cottage, and two different locations both called Rocky Point: a residential community on the western side of the peninsula, and a port used primarily for the export of alumina on the eastern side of the peninsula.
With a population at an estimated 215,515, Clarendon is one of the most populous parishes in the island. May Pen, the capital, has a population estimated at around 60,000.
Clarendon: A Journey Through My Homeland - more from Natalie
From the Hills to the Heartbeat of Jamaica
Growing up in the lush hills of Clarendon, I’ve come to love and cherish every inch of this parish, nestled in the heart of Jamaica. Clarendon is more than just a place on the map; it's a collection of towns, districts, and landscapes, each with its own unique charm and character.
The Major Towns of Clarendon
Spaulding: The Mountain Haven
If you venture into the northern hills of Clarendon, you’ll stumble upon the cool, refreshing climate of Spaulding. This charming town sits on the border between Clarendon and Manchester and serves as a central hub for surrounding rural communities. A drive through Spaulding feels like a breath of fresh air, with the mist-covered mountains creating a postcard-perfect backdrop. The town is home to Knox College, a prestigious educational institution known for its academic excellence and beautiful, tree-lined campus.
May Pen: The Bustling Capital
Further south, you’ll find the vibrant capital, May Pen, the commercial heart of Clarendon. Situated along the banks of the Rio Minho, Jamaica’s longest river, May Pen is a bustling town that serves as the main business hub for the parish. Life here is lively, with markets, shops, and restaurants providing a true Jamaican urban experience. Glenmuir High School stands proudly in the heart of May Pen, one of the top-performing schools in Jamaica, shaping young minds and fostering future leaders. If you need top-tier healthcare, the May Pen Hospital is the primary medical facility in the region, providing critical care to residents and visitors alike.
The Vere Plains: Land of Rich Soil and History
To the south, the landscape transforms into the Vere Plains, a wide, fertile stretch of land that has played a significant role in Jamaica’s agricultural history. Once the sugarcane powerhouse of the island, the plains are now home to Monymusk Sugar Estate, one of the last remnants of the sugar industry. The area has a rich heritage tied to plantation life and continues to thrive with agriculture, producing crops like sugarcane, bananas, and vegetables.
But Vere isn’t just about farming. It’s also home to Denbigh Agricultural Showground, where Jamaica’s largest agricultural show is held annually, drawing visitors from across the island. The Denbigh High School nearby serves the educational needs of the region, known for its strong agricultural science programme and academic achievements.
Education and Excellence
Clarendon is proud to be home to some of Jamaica’s best schools, each contributing to the educational development of the parish. Alongside Knox College, Glenmuir High, and Denbigh High, Clarendon College in Chapelton stands out as one of the oldest and most respected institutions. Established in 1942, Clarendon College has produced some of Jamaica’s finest scholars and athletes, its students regularly excelling in national examinations and sporting events.
Attractions and Points of Interest
If you’re looking to explore beyond the towns and schools, Clarendon has its share of attractions. The Milk River Bath, a mineral-rich hot spring in the southern part of the parish, is said to have healing properties and is a must-visit for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Nestled close by, the Halse Hall Great House, one of Jamaica’s oldest plantation houses, offers a glimpse into the island’s colonial past, with its well-preserved Georgian architecture and captivating history.
For history lovers, there’s Vernamfield, a former World War II airbase that now stands as a reminder of the island’s involvement in global history. Clarendon is also home to Cocoa Walk, a small community known for its rich agricultural history and local rum production, which has roots dating back to colonial times. Nature lovers can also head to Cobbla Hills, just outside Spaulding, where the misty mountains provide hiking trails, stunning views, and a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The Spirit of Clarendon
From the fertile plains of Vere to the cool hills of Spaulding, Clarendon has something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting the lively markets of May Pen, soaking in the therapeutic waters of Milk River Bath, or walking the hallowed halls of one of our prestigious schools, you’ll find that the spirit of Clarendon is one of resilience, warmth, and pride. Folks from Clarendon embrace our history, our land, and our people, knowing that together, we contribute to the rich cultural tapestry that makes Jamaica, and Clarendon in particular, so special.
So, welcome to Clarendon, where the heart of Jamaica beats strongly, and every road tells a story waiting to be explored.