Category: History

The Church of St Francis at Pamplemousses is the oldest standing edifice of the Catholic faith on the island, and dates from the 1750s. It features in a number of prints and sketches of the eighteenth century Isle of France. This sketch of the church is held in the Le Havre collection: Inside the Church… Continue reading Pamplemousses Church and its Mysterious Bell

Hidden Treasures of Mauritius An Aerial View of the Landing Spot   1.The Hidden History of the Northern Coastal resorts As you enjoy a swim or a stroll along the beach, spare a thought for the soldiers who, two hundred years ago this month, landed in their thousands along this stretch of coast, carrying muskets… Continue reading Hidden Treasures of Mauritius

Capitulation of Mauritius, 1810 1810 was a year of immense significance to Mauritius and Mauritians. The ongoing Anglo-French wars had not only helped a handful of merchant-adventurers to amass huge profits; the activities of the corsairs brought in their train people of diverse origins: traders and agents from neutral nations, captured seamen, dispossessed Indian Ocean travellers, so… Continue reading History & Heritage

The Chateau Labourdonnais in Mapou has opened its doors to the public following nearly three years of renovation and now offers a fascinating glimpse of the world of the 19th century sugar planter. The château de Labourdonnais was built in 1858 by Christian Wiehe, an insightful man, whose numerous descendants still mostly live in Mauritius… Continue reading Chateau Labourdonnais

There is a Greek-style classical building in India which, as long as it stands, will serve as a tangible link to Mauritius. Originally built to serve as a mausoleum, the building is at Barakpur, about 13 miles from Kolkata. Barakpur Cenotaph with sepoy guards The building has been known by several names: Minto’s Memorial Hall… Continue reading Barakpur, near Kolkata, India