R.W. Feachem's visit to the Bay Islands during the summer of 1939

During the summer of 1939, R.W. Feachem paid a visit to the Bay Islands, joined by Mr. Derek Leaf for most of the time. They did an expedition out there. For local and European reasons, the expedition was cut short, but in the time available, they were able to accomplish much.

The support of Lord Moyne of the Royal Geographical Society, the University of Cambridge, the Faculty of Archaeology at Cambridge, and Trinity College made the expedition possible, and the generosity was perfectly appreciated. While in the Gulf of Honduras, the interest of H.E., the Governor of British Honduras, the active assistance of Mr. Masson and Captain George Gough at Belize, and the continued help of the guidance given to them by Captain George Gough and Mr. Frank Boynton in the islands assured the best possible conditions for the work.

They shared in this document some interesting sightings that were redacted exactly as follow:

Bonacca has little in common with the rest of the Bay Islands. It stands northeast from Barberat, across a strait some 20 miles wide. The chief settlements are Bonacca Town and Savannah Bight. Bonacca is built on some small case and made land away from the rather unhealthy shore, and is a very delightful town, gaily painted and appearing to be floating on the water from even a short distance.

On the northwest coast, directly opposite Savannah Bight on the southeast, is Mangrove Bight. Northeast of these bays is the last lobe of the island, on one of the hills of which is a large site known as Marble Hill, which we had no opportunity to visit. On the neck of land between the bays situated, the most striking site to be found on any of the islands.

One hundred years ago, it was visited by a lieutenant of the Royal Navy who mentioned in his report a large walled enclosure, and also that he saw in his enclosure three stools on which sat green stone idols. At Bonacca, we had met Mr. Colin Pinckney from the Department of Anthropology at Cambridge. He and Leif made a survey of the walls of the enclosure under very difficult conditions, subsequently being able to place the complices located inside in their correct position.

The map is copied from the one made by Leaf, and shows the chief positions of interest in the enclosure.