The great wealth of the Barrett family came from their mineral and agricultural rights in Jamaica. This account traces the colourful history of the family from their arrival on the island in 1655 into the 19th century and the time of the family's great poet, Elizabeth Barrett.

"On 8th May 1655, the English fleet...dropped anchor of Port Royal, Jamaica. On board was a young lieutenant, Hercie Barrett, and his wife and child." So begins th story of the Barretts on the island of Jamaica. Drawing upon an extensive family archive of letters, portraits and documents, recently presented as a gift to Eton College by a descendant of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's brother Alfred, the author has been able to shed new light on the poetess's ancestors and the sources of her family's great wealth: the agricultural and mineral riches of Jamaica. The Barretts, as pioneers, planters and cattle farmers, residents and absentees, both influenced and were influenced by the changing fortunes of the island and its inhabitants. The author guides the reader easily through Jamaican and Barrett history: the many property transactions, marriages and family intrigues.