Manchester Parish, Jamaica facts for kids
Manchester is a special area in Jamaica called a parish. It's like a county or a big district. Manchester is part of a larger region in Jamaica known as Middlesex County. The main town and capital of Manchester Parish is Mandeville.
Contents
Welcome to Manchester Parish!
Manchester Parish is located in the middle of Jamaica. It is known for its cool climate, especially compared to other parts of the island. This parish is a beautiful place with rolling hills and green landscapes. It is a great place to learn about Jamaica's history and natural beauty.
Where is Manchester?
Manchester Parish is found in the central part of Jamaica. It is surrounded by other parishes. To the east, you will find Clarendon Parish. To the west, there is Saint Elizabeth Parish. To the north, it borders Trelawny Parish and Saint Ann Parish. The parish does not have a coastline. This means it is not directly on the sea. Instead, it is known for its inland beauty and higher elevations.
A Look Back: History of Manchester
Manchester Parish was created a long time ago, in 1814. It was named after the Duke of Manchester. He was the Governor of Jamaica at that time. The parish was formed by taking parts from three nearby parishes. These were Saint Elizabeth Parish, Clarendon Parish, and Vere Parish (which is now part of Clarendon). People wanted a new parish because the journey to the old parish capitals was too long. This made it hard for people to do important business.
The capital town, Mandeville, was also established in 1814. It was built specifically to be the center of the new parish. Mandeville is unique because it is one of the few parish capitals in Jamaica that is not on the coast. It was planned as a quiet, cool retreat.
Mandeville: The Capital City
Mandeville is the capital of Manchester Parish. It is a charming town known for its cool weather. This is because it is located high up in the hills. Mandeville is often called the "Garden Parish" because of its many beautiful gardens. It is also known for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
The town has many important buildings. These include schools, churches, and businesses. Mandeville is a center for education and commerce in the region. It is a popular place for people to live and visit.
What Manchester is Known For
Manchester Parish is famous for a few key things.
Agriculture
The parish has rich soil. This makes it excellent for farming. Farmers in Manchester grow many different crops. These include citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits. They also grow coffee, bananas, and other vegetables. Agriculture is a very important part of the parish's economy.
Bauxite Mining
Another important industry in Manchester is bauxite mining. Bauxite is a type of rock. It is used to make aluminum. There are large bauxite deposits in the parish. Mining bauxite has been a big part of the economy for many years. It provides jobs for many people. You can see the alumina plant in Kirkvine, Manchester.
Education
Manchester Parish is also known for its strong focus on education. There are many good schools in the parish. Mandeville, the capital, has several well-known high schools and colleges. This makes Manchester a center for learning in Jamaica.
Cool Climate
Because of its elevation, Manchester has a cooler climate than many other parts of Jamaica. This makes it a pleasant place to live and visit. Many people enjoy the fresh, cool air.
Images for kids
-
Park Crescent, Mandeville (2012)
-
MegaMart, Mandeville under construction in December 2012.
-
Mile Gully Mountain (2010)
-
Windalco, Alumina plant in the background (Kirkvine, Manchester)
