By Orita Bailey

Imagine being in beautiful St.Kitts and helping archaeologists unearth buildings and artifacts that are over 350 years old!

That is what happened to a group of volunteers with the Caribbean Volunteer Expedition. Under the guidance of experienced archaeologist David Rollinson, formerly of Nevis and now a resident in Nova Scotia, led a small team of visitors and locals in the most exciting ‘dig’ in St.Kitts for several years.

The project set new heights in St.Kitts tourism adding a new dimension by actually inviting and encouraging visitors staying at our hotels to participate with local volunteers to dig for history. The site is unique. Established in 1625 it was the first land grant given by the English King Charles 1 in the West Indies and, it’s first owner, Sam Jefferson was the great, great, great grandfather of Thomas Jefferson, third President of United States of America.

Originally the estate produced tobacco (plants can still be found) and indigo. However, in the mid 17th century the estate converted to sugar then a very valuable crop and remained as such until recently. The factory however ceased production in the early 20th century due to the establishment of a modern centrally located sugar factory.

For several weeks in January 2010 Mr. David Rollinson, and a group of “Caribbean Volunteer Expedition” persons joined forces with some local persons to expose more of Wingfield secrets. For the volunteers, it was an exciting ‘working’ holiday and they shared their stories:

“We heard about the rum distillery discovery last year”; so said Philippa “Pippa” Anne Francq (originally of Belgium) who resides in St.Petersburg, Florida. “We are truly amazed at the rum distillery stone work and are completely thrilled for David. “We hope to help him continue his work into new discoveries. We can only imagine how he felt discovering the rum distillery. We also knew we would love working at Wingfield Estate, it is so picturesque. This is a great find and an exciting step for St.Kitts in heritage tourism.”

Allen Loyd of St.Petersburg, Florida said: “We knew about the distillery and thought it was very exciting to be working here. We have been to Wingfield Estate before and know there is a lot more work to be done. We have enjoyed working with David uncovering things that have not been seen for so many years. For every one question answered, ten more pops up. It is quite a puzzle here at Wingfield Estate in trying to fit together the discoveries so as to understand the people who lived here before. It is absolutely interesting.”

Duane Marfisi (Ontario Canada) – “When I read about the dig , I was curious about this beautiful, magical, historical island. I wanted to lend a hand even though I had only recently arrived on the island to live. Imagine this structure was built over 400 years ago! This is great!! Besides, I like meeting people and would certainly want to be involved in another dig.”

The archaeological digs at Wingfield Estate are now available to the general public for viewing. It is hoped that this will serve as encouragement for the development of more of the many historic sites around the island. St.Kitts’ beauty is in its differences, it is in its unique history. Wingfield Estate, uniquely historic, uniquely fascinating, uniquely different, uniquely St.Kitts.

Wingfield estate will soon gain an orientation centre with interpretive signage to the Protected Livelihoods Area, part of the (OPAAL) Project that seeks to protect the rainforest and manintain a balance between the forest and the people that live near and make a living from it. Trained guides will demonstrate and explain the production of sugar from cane and rum from sugar.

This impressive site currently consists of an aqueduct which carried water to the wheel which was used to provide the power needed to crush the cane. It also showcases:

Mill house
Boiling House
Fire Wall Tunnel

and, an amazing new find, an intact rum distillery which pre dates 1685!

Eventually, the project will be developed further with the addition of a food and beverage and a retail facility.

The Wingfield Estate is already a major centre as it has within its environs:-

Sky Safari Ziplines
Rain Forest Tours
A.T.V. Vehicle Trails

and the very well known and hugely popular Romney Manor Gardens, the home of Caribelle Batik.



Distillery ready for Viewing


For further information about Wingfield please contact.

Contact: Brenda Allen Tel: 1-869-465-6253 for further information. Website: www.caribellebatikstkitts.com Email: batikskb@sisterisles.com

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