Granville, located in Trelawny, was established on 90 acres of land purchased by Reverend William Knibb, a Baptist minister and abolitionist. The land acquisition was approved by the Missionary Society of England, and the settlement was one of the first free villages created after the abolition of slavery.
The village was named in honor of Granville Sharpe, an English abolitionist who played a key role in ending slavery. His dedication to justice and equality made him a fitting namesake for the village.
Under Reverend Knibb’s guidance, Granville became a community where freed people could live independently, own land, and build new lives away from the control of plantation owners. The village provided an opportunity for empowerment and self-sufficiency, helping to shape the future of Jamaica’s post-emancipation society. Granville remains a lasting testament to the strength and determination of its founders and the Jamaican people.