Remote, Windswept And Laidback, St Helena Island Is A Speck In The Atlantic Ocean

St Helena Island is not the seemingly desolate land that its isolation may imply, rather it is a source of adventure, impeccable beauty and untamed nature. With ancient wrecks, giant stairways, great forts, natural wonders and extraordinary walks, the island is a world apart from anywhere else.

- Charmaine de Villiers

Travel back to the 16th century – to a time when much of the world as we know it today, was as yet undiscovered; to a time when slavery was rife and when exile and imprisonment was the fate of many who struggled for survival, who may have stolen a couple of slices of bread to feed their families. The history of St Helena is fascinating and has touched many aspects of world history since its discovery by the Portuguese in 1502, when it became a Dutch then a British possession, a strategically important port of call during the British Empire, until the opening of the Suez Canal and the advent of steamships.

The island’s remote location meant it was used as a place of exile for key prisoners, including Zulu King Dinuzulu and Napoleon Bonaparte, who died on St Helena. It also played an important role during the abolition of slavery. St Helena’s heritage provides a significant legacy of fortifications, remains, historic buildings, and what has been described as “the quintessential Atlantic port” – the capital Jamestown where several buildings are listed because of its historic importance.

Some 5 865 Boer prisoners from the Boer War were interned on the island with those from the Transvaal held in a camp on Deadwood Plain, and as more and more arrived, another camp was set up at Broadbottom for those from the Orange Free State. 180 Prisoners died whilst in captivity and their graves can be observed at the Boer Cemetery in Knollcombs.