Port Royal is a village located at the end of the Palisadoes at the mouth of Kingston Harbor, in southeastern Jamaica. Founded in 1494 by the Spanish, it is currently the largest port city in the Caribbean, functioning as the center of shipping and commerce in the Caribbean Sea by the latter half of the 17th century. Now controlled by the British, Port Royal is a bustling trade hub and the heart of the British Royal Navy and the key to Kingston, the heart of government in Jamaica.
Despite this, much piracy still happens here, and the British pursue and punish pirates heavily, taking prisoners here to be hung in front of the King's citizens.
History
Colonization
The Taino Native Americans occupied this area for centuries before European settlement. They used the area, which they called Caguay or Caguaya, during their fishing expeditions. Although it is not known whether they ever settled at the spot, they did inhabit other parts of Jamaica.
The Spanish first landed in Jamaica in 1494 under the leadership of Christopher Columbus. Permanent settlement occurred when Juan de Esquivel brought a group of settlers in 1509. They came in search of new lands and valuable resources, like gold and silver. Instead they began to cultivate and process the sugar cane. Much like the Taino before them, the Spanish did not appear to have much use for the Port Royal area. They did, however, retain its Taino name. Spain kept control of Jamaica mostly so that it could prevent other countries from gaining access to the island, which was strategically situated within the trade routes of the Caribbean. Spain maintained control over the island for 146 years, until the English took control following their invasion of 1655.
The town was captured by England in 1655 during the invasion of Jamaica. By 1659 two hundred houses, shops and warehouses had been built around the fort; by 1692 five forts defended the port. The English initially called the place Cagway but soon renamed it as Port Royal.
Government
Port Royal is a municipality of the British colonies, and as such is under the direct control of the Crown. The Governor of the Port City, Edward D'Oley, acts as a head of state under only the Lord of Jamica, Lord Protector Cromwell, who has his own estate outside the port.
The city itself is one of the most bureaucratic in all the Caribbean. With its own corrupted unchecked leadership, much of the city's economy contributes to the coffers of those in control. Crossing any of the politicians in this city typically results in a one way ticket to the noose. The only opposition to the crown-appointed politicians are the Royal British Navy, whose leader, Admiral Henry Allistor, is just as corrupt. The admiralty imposes themselves upon the city as an independent but seemingly cooperative military force. Many shadow wars are fought between the two over jurisdictions in the courthouse of Port Royal, and the Royal British Navy will sometimes even keep its own prisoners outside of Port Royal's jurisdiction- and vice versa.
Laws and regulations on trade are quite strict in Port Royal, and the streets are kept clear of peddlers and thieves by the local guard and the Royal British Navy, who come together only to rid their fine city of scum. Pirates in particular are a large focus of the politics here in Port Royal, and as such, any and all condemnation of pirates is made into a public display at the gallows, where pirates are hung by the neck for all the cheering citizens of the city.
Population
The city is quite populated, and has anywhere from 6,500 to 10,000 inhabitants, 2,000-3,000 of which are slaves.
The city itself boasts 2,000 or so buildings spread out over 51 acres of land that make up the city's borders. To the east, there is a narrow strip of land from the port that one can follow all the way to Kingston via the Kingston road.
Economy
Due to its high usage as a port and the primary port of the colonies of Britain in Jamaica, Port Royal is an extremely lucrative and wealthy city. Naturally, this has attracted the attention of many merchants and rare vendors that wouldn't otherwise be found in the West Indies, bringing many unique goods and services to the area. At the heart of this economic powerhouse is the East Indian Trading Company, whose headquarters lie deep in the heart of the city.
Crime
Crime is punished harshly in the port, as the city's apparent obsession with piracy is extended to all forms of misdemeanor. There are two prisons, one for pirates and other "high profile criminals" while another is reserved for local sentences and petty squabbles.
Most decisions are made by the governor at the courthouse, where all major issues seek sentencing.
Points of Interest
Parchment's Bounty Bookstore
The
Parchement Bounty Bookstore is Mason Mouriard's bookshop, where one can purchase books and other note-taking supplies
The Fancy Goat Inn
The
Fancy Goat Inn is an inn located on High Street in
Port Royal. It is one of several in the city, but the most cost-effective and least rowdy.
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