As one of the only mid-Atlantic islands, after its 1502 discovery St Helena was a vital stopover for ships traversing the South Atlantic. Plus, its remote location made it an ideal place of exile. This created a true melting pot of history and heritage, totally unique in the world, apparent and readily accessible all across the island.
History & heritage
- Discovered 1502 (uninhabited), settled by the British 1659
- Historically important shipping stopover and place of exile
- Jonathan, the world’s oldest living land animal
- The final place of exile of Napoleon Bonaparte
- Centuries-old Georgian architecture
- Boer Prisoner of War heritage sites
- “The most important physical remaining trace of the transatlantic slave trade on Earth” - Dr Andy Pearson
- Historic assets like memorial plaques, old ship anchors and cannons dot the streets
- A great national museum, where you can immerse yourself in the history
Fast facts
The diversity of St Helena’s history and heritage is fascinating. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, the island wasn’t settled until the British arrived in 1659. From then until the opening of the Suez Canal (1869), St Helena – as one of the only islands in the area – was a strategic port of call for vessels traversing the South Atlantic. Remnants of this transient history are apparent at every turn. The centuries-long presence of the East India Company is clear in the Georgian architecture. Many buildings still feature engraved Chinese writing left by indentured labourers.
The most important physical remaining trace of the transatlantic slave trade on Earth is located in Rupert’s Valley. St Helena’s history and heritage isn’t all locked away in museums or behind restricted access: rather, its freely accessible at every turn.
Stroll through centuries-old fortifications, observe church service in the oldest Anglican church in the southern hemisphere, attempt to climb the 699-step Jacob’s Ladder, or simply wonder at the island’s capital of Jamestown, ‘one of the best examples of unspoiled Georgian architecture anywhere in the world.
Discovery (by the Portuguese)
Dutch took possession of the island before abandoning it
Settlement (by the British)
Dutch briefly reclaim island
Astronomer Edmund Halley visits
Astronomer Neville Maskelyne visits
Captain James Cook visits
HMS Bounty Captain William Bligh visits
Napoleon exiled and dies
Charles Darwin visits
Transatlantic slave trade abolition depots operating
Jonathan arrives (aged approx. 50)
Dinuzulu exiled to St Helena
Boer PoWs on-island
World War II
Flax industry closes
Electricity came into use
TV introduced
Full British citizenship returned
Mobile service introduced
St Helena’s first and only airport opens
Final voyage of RMS St Helena
Equiano fibre optic undersea internet cable landed
Stroll through centuries-old history
The island’s centuries as place of exile, and its transient human history during the shipping era, is apparent in the built heritage today. Visit the sites marked as Halley and Maskellynes’ observatories. Explore the Boer Prisoner of War heritage across the island. Visit the site of “the most significant physical remaining trace of the transatlantic slave trade on Earth.” Tread the pathways that Napoleon once did, and visit his tomb. Trek the countryside to remote East India Company forts and batteries. St Helena houses a diversity of legacies to be explored.
A wealth of historic buildings, fortifications and monuments are freely accessible to the public – such as the cliff top High Knoll Fort, which presents stunning views overlooking the residential area of Half Tree Hollow. Other historic buildings are still in use, like The Castle (est. 17th century, today the main seat of St Helena Government). Even when walking down Main Street you’ll find yourself immersed in history, with ancient anchors featured within building railings and plaques and etchings marking historic sites. Look out for ancient cannons, anchors and other remnants of history at every turn. To find out more about the island’s unique and diverse history, make sure to visit the Museum of Saint Helena. A variety of historic tours and activities are available.
Meet the world’s oldest living land animal
Jonathan the tortoise is St Helena’s most famous living resident.
Jonathan holds two titles in the Guinness Book of World Records: The oldest living land animal on Earth, and the oldest chelonian to have ever lived. He is one of few surviving Seychelles Giant Tortoises.
National treasure, Jonathan has resided at Plantation House, the Governor’s residence since 1882.
Today, you can book a tour to visit him and the few other tortoises who reside with him at Plantation.
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