The White Witch of Rose Hall is a captivating and chilling tale that has its origins in Jamaica. It is said to be based on true events and revolves around the infamous woman named Annie Palmer, who came to be known as the "White Witch." The story dates back to the early 19th century and has since become a popular legend, captivating locals and visitors alike. Annie Palmer was a young English woman who arrived in Jamaica after marrying her first husband, John Palmer. The couple settled in Rose Hall, a grand plantation estate in Montego Bay, Jamaica. It was in this sprawling mansion that Annie's dark and mysterious reign would commence.
In more recent times, Ritz-Carlton resorts have purchased and expanded the Rose Hall property with an adjoining five-star resort hotel, three award-winning golf courses (one appropriately named White Witch), and several private residential developments.
Even if you don t see the White Witch, you re sure to create unforgettable memories while walking the beautiful grounds and taking in the amazing views. More and more her lust for the slave men grew until it could no longer be hidden her husband caught her in the act of adultery and whipped her with a riding crop.
It was in this sprawling mansion that Annie's dark and mysterious reign would commence. According to the legend, Annie was a beautiful and seductive woman with a penchant for cruelty. She was rumoured to have practiced voodoo and used her powers to manipulate and control those around her.
Annie Palmer: The White Witch of Jamaica
Rose Hall, home of Annie Palmer, the White Witch of Jamaica. Connie Motz photo.
It was a hot humid afternoon on a lazy Jamaican day. My Mom and I had arrived by cruise ship at Montego Bay earlier that morning.
Annie Palmer, the White Witch of Jamaica
When faced with an abundance of choices for shore excursions, we decided to go with one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jamaica, the famous Rose Hall.
Located high on the hillside in lush St. James, Jamaica, Rose Hall is a dramatic-looking three-story whitewashed Great House, one time home to a famous Jamaican witch–Annie Palmer, the White Witch of Jamaica.
Dating from the late 1700s, this statuesque plantation home ominously stands atop the hillside overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
Rose Hall was nicknamed the ‘calendar house’ because it originally had 365 windows, 52 doors, and 12 bedrooms.
The Legend of the White Witch Begins
My Mom and I eagerly awaited our visit to the mysterious plantation (originally 6,600 acres in size) hoping the catch a glimpse of the famous Annie Palmer, the White Witch of Jamaica, who lived, or should I say ‘ruled’ the plantation and its inhabitants.
The balcony from which Annie Palmer viewed.
Annie was said to be a short woman, not even five feet tall, but was said to have been exceedingly beautiful. In 1820, at the tender age of 17, Annie became the wife of John Palmer and this is where the legend began.
We made our way up the limestone front steps and into the grand entryway – right into the dark and even more humid cellar.
After choking down a cup of Witches’ Brew (a strong drink of rum with a little bit of pineapple juice), we were taken upstairs by a guide to begin our tour.
A Voodoo Queen
Although there are many versions of the story, it generally goes like this: Annie moved to Haiti with her parents when she was ten years old. Her parents died of yellow fever and she was adopted by her Haitian nanny, who was rumored to be a voodoo queen.
Annie was keen to learn and loved the results that her newfound magical abilities produced. Her voodoo practices grew as well did her desire for control.
She consented to marry John Palmer, becoming the mistress of the great house in Jamaica.
But Annie Palmer was a hard woman to satisfy. Even though Rose Hall was a lucrative sugar plantation with an abundance of more than 2,000 slaves (which was considered a sign of great wealth), Annie still felt the need to turn to black magic voodoo practices as a means of manipulating those around her.
Love Affairs with Slaves
Apparently, as it has never been proven, Annie repeatedly had love affairs with her slaves, sometimes using secret passageways to her bedroom. If she wasn’t satisfied or simply became bored, she would kill them.
Annie’s bedroom, with an image on the armoire – photo courtesy of ReggaeShow.com
She ruled her domain using fear and cruelty; her power over the plantation was unmistakable.
The Witch is Dead
The story continues to say that Annie’s black magic powers continued to increase. Unfortunately for her, she murdered the intended son-in-law of her overseer, who was himself a practitioner of voodoo.
Through a combination of physical force and black magic, the overseer was able to get rid of Annie in her bedroom, but he did not survive the battle.
Even in death, her slaves were terrified the White Witch would use her powers from beyond the grave.
She was buried directly behind Rose Hall in a tomb designed to keep her there for eternity. A special voodoo ritual was designed and performed to ensure this would happen, but the legend says that the ritual was not fully completed, which allows the spirit of Annie to still walk the house and roam the plantation today.
Visitors to the Great House have seen Annie riding her horse at night on the plantation grounds looking for runaway slaves.
She has been seen standing on her balcony, still watching over the plantation even in death.
A Ghostly Presence
Visitors continue to hear voices, see bloodstains, hear footsteps, music, and babies crying.
Many visitors discover unusual photographs after visiting – all reminders that the presence of Annie Palmer is still evident today.
Annie was once again immortalized in the 1970s by Johnny Cash in his song, the ‘Ballad of Annie Palmer.’
His words explored the possibility of a burial site on the Rose Hall estate when he asks: “Where’s your husband, Annie, where’s number two and three? Are they sleeping neath the palms by the Caribbean Sea?”
The White Witch Golf Course – photo courtesy of Ritz Carlton
Rose Hall Restored
These tall tropical palms lazily sway in the ocean breezes near the beach below – a gentle reminder once again of the atrocious acts that are said to have been committed here.
Rose Hall had a few new owners after Annie’s death but the majestic Great House fell into ruins and was left abandoned for more than 125 years.
The grand 19th-century Georgian plantation home was saved and restored to its former beauty back in the 1960s by a former lieutenant governor of Delaware, John Rollins.
Care was taken to match the original style and furnishings of the home. One of the few original pieces of the home is said to be the ornately decorated mahogany mirror in Annie’s bedroom in which many guests have seen a reflection showing more than just themselves.
In more recent times, Ritz-Carlton resorts have purchased and expanded the Rose Hall property with an adjoining five-star resort hotel, three award-winning golf courses (one appropriately named White Witch), and several private residential developments.
You can own your own piece of Rose Hall – if you dare.
Connie Molz is a Certified Travel Consultant, freelance writer, and columnist. She is an avid traveler and mother of two who lives in southern British Columbia, Canada. She is also a Certified Pharmacy Technician and a volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Travel writer Polly Thomas suggests the Annie Palmer legend is partially based on the life of Rosa Palmer. Rosa was the first mistress at Rose Hall and had four husbands. However, she had a reputation for great virtue and was never suspected in their deaths.
Annie outlived her three husbands, all of whom met untimely deaths under suspicious circumstances. It is believed that she poisoned them, ensuring she inherited their wealth and power. Annie's reign of terror did not end with her husbands. She was said to have taken numerous lovers, only to dispose of them once they no longer served her purposes. She was also known for her brutality towards her slaves, using them to carry out her every sadistic whim. The local slaves, terrified of this wicked mistress, eventually rebelled against her. It is said that one of Annie's lovers, a slave named Takoo, turned against her and used voodoo to bring about her downfall. Annie was reportedly murdered in her sleep, and her body was hidden within the walls of Rose Hall. To this day, Rose Hall remains surrounded by mystery and intrigue. It is now a popular tourist attraction, with visitors flocking to see the grand mansion and learn about Annie Palmer's chilling legacy. Many claim to have encountered her vengeful spirit wandering the halls, seeking retribution for her dark deeds. While skeptics dismiss the legend as mere folklore, the White Witch of Rose Hall continues to captivate and fascinate those who hear her tale. The story serves as a reminder of the power of folklore and the enduring impact of a terrifying legend..
Reviews for "Delving into the Mystery: The White Witch of Rosswall's Origins"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really looking forward to reading "The White Witch of Roswwhall" based on the promising synopsis, but unfortunately, it fell far below my expectations. The storyline was slow and lacked any real excitement or suspense. The characters were also poorly developed, making it difficult to connect with any of them. Additionally, the writing style felt dry and unengaging. Overall, I found the book to be quite dull and disappointing, resulting in a lackluster reading experience.
2. Emily - 1/5 - I have to say, "The White Witch of Roswwhall" was a complete letdown for me. The plot seemed interesting at first, but it quickly became convoluted and confusing. I found myself struggling to follow the story and keep track of all the different characters and their motivations. The pacing was also a major issue, as it dragged on without any clear direction. The author's writing style did not captivate me, and I struggled to maintain interest throughout. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a gripping and well-executed fantasy read.
3. Anna - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "The White Witch of Roswwhall," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to expectations. The world-building felt weak and unconvincing, leaving me with many unanswered questions. The characters lacked depth and failed to evoke any emotional connection. The dialogue was often awkward and unrealistic, making it difficult to immerse myself in the story. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and lacking the captivating elements that make a fantasy novel enjoyable. I wouldn't recommend it to fellow fantasy enthusiasts.