In exchange for a share of a ship's cargo, they turn their backs while smugglers land their goods-free of import duty. Port Royal's customs officials were just as corrupt as the Harbormaster. The town doubled in size and population in 10 years, which led to some problems with the sewer system. It is only through his efforts that Port Royal has become at all civilized." ― Weatherby Swann to Elizabeth Swann īy the reign of King George II, Port Royal was a prospering town. " Dear, I do hope you demonstrate a bit more decorum in front of Commodore Norrington.
Port Royal during the early 18th century. By 1730, the town was completely rebuilt. On Jthe town was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake and a part of it sunk into the sea believed to be "God's wrath", but the remaining part was rebuilt. Henry Morgan used Port Royal as the main base for his piratical raids to the Spanish Main, but in 1687, piracy was outlawed in Jamaica. People called Port Royal: " the richest and wickedest city in the world". Pirates would spend their loot in hundreds of brothels and taverns in the city. Soon, from a peaceful city, Port Royal transformed into a criminal nest. With an excellent strategic position, many buccaneers used Port Royal as a base for their operations. The city became a famous buccaneer hideout. In 1657, Governor Edward D'Oley invited the Brethren of the Coast to come to Port Royal and make it their homeport. "La Vega" was left in ruins shortly following the invasion, and Admiral William Penn, liking the location, rebuilt it and renamed the town Port Royal. However, Jamaica was taken over by the English forces in 1655 and became an important stronghold of British power in the Caribbean, but also a hideout for buccaneers, pirates and privateers. Lord Cutler Beckett of the East India Trading Company would take control of Port Royal during the War Against Piracy.Ĭhristopher Columbus discovered Jamaica in 1492 and it was completely colonized by the Spanish shortly after his death and built the trading post of Santiago De La Vega. During the War of Jolly Roger, Port Royal was invaded by Jolly Roger's undead army. The town of Port Royal was mostly known to be under the jurisdiction of Governor Weatherby Swann. Unfortunately for its civilized residents, its location also made a perfect spot for pirate raids, despite the nearby Navy presence at the governmental Fort Charles. Wealthy and civilized, Port Royal's air came from its place as the official center of Caribbean trade. During the 17th century, the city was a popular place for buccaneers, eventually becoming the major center of piracy in the Caribbean, though that situation would change in later years. Stretching back from the harbor, shops jostle for space with Port Royal's many taverns. Founded by the English, a garrison of the British Royal Navy maintained a presence at the town. Port Royal was a major city and a bustling harbor town situated on the western end of Palisadoes in Jamaica.