A fortress of legacy: Ackendown Castle

Standing sentinel on the northern side of the main road between Savanna-la-Mar and Black River, the ruins of Ackendown Castle in Westmoreland whisper of a Jamaica that dared to dream in medieval stone. Its medieval-style masonry two towers linked by an underground passage, is a rare architectural voice in our island narrative, an echo of European chivalry displaced into Caribbean soil

The story of Ackendown begins with the Campbell family, a lineage of brave Scots, led by Colonel John Campbell (b. 1673, d. 1740). A Darien expedition survivor, he settled in Westmoreland after returning from Panama and established a sugar plantation near Black River. Generosity marked his legacy, one etched in the inscription of his tomb, recalling a man esteemed for humanity and legacy.

At the heart of the castle stands Archibald Campbell (1781–1833), third son of John Campbell of New Hope. According to a plaque on the inner wall, “This castle … was built by him”. Yet, as history often unfolds in layers, the Jamaican Almanac of Archibald’s day lists his elder brother as the estate’s owner, leaving room for speculation: was Archibald truly its architect, or did he become its most fitting steward?

In December 2006, the Jamaica National Heritage Trust recognized the cultural value of this structure, declaring the Ackendown Castle ruins a national monument, a gesture that enshrined its place in Jamaica’s living history.

LEGACY CARVED IN STONE

Yet, Ackendown offers more than bricks and mortar; it presents a message carved in aspiration. For though the stones may crumble, the true fortress is not the building, it is the legacy your footsteps leave behind.

Your fortress is not your physical building, but your legacy. Your life is printed on your footsteps, which may be lived and exemplified by those who may be inspired by your life’s work, no matter how small you may think your life has been. Live and be truthful in all you do, and the hands of God will guide your path.

Ackendown invites us to reflect that even the grandest edifices fade, but a life rooted in integrity and purpose echoes through time, inspiring future generations in ways no stone can match.

From the moss-lined walls of Ackendown Castle to the lush landscapes of Westmoreland, we glimpse how memory and meaning intertwine. It’s an offering of inspiration, not as a relic of bygone power, but as a beacon urging us to build, every day, a legacy of truth, faith, and heartfelt contribution.

Contributed by Dr Lorenzo Gordon, a diabetologist, internal medicine consultant, biochemist, and a history and heritage enthusiast. Send feedback to inspiring876@gmail.com.