Following the English conquest of Jamaica the first phase of colonisation was carried out by the Army, with a system of Regimental plantations.

These were drawn up on the southern flat lands, with the Regimental commanders charged with ordering their men to plant provisions.

[2]: 135 Certain key figures such as Luke Stokes (1656)[3] and Thomas Modyford (1664)[4] brought substantial numbers of colonists from other English colonies.

John Peter Grant was appointed Governor arriving in August 1866, and he set about instituting a number of reforms, including the administrative framework of the parishes.

[8] The number has varied over time and some no longer exist having either been absorbed into or divided between neighbouring parishes.