The Mystery Tomb of Betty Stiven
The Mystery Tombstone of Betty Stiven lies in the quiet fishing village of Plymouth, Tobago. Its mysterious inscription has been unsolved for over 200 years to date.
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Do you think you can solve the mystery of the tombstone at Plymouth?
The tombstone was erected in 1783 in memory of Betty Stiven. The mysterious inscription has baffled visitors and left open to interpretation ever since. It reads:
Beneath these walls are deposited the body of Mrs. Betty Stiven and her child. She was the beloved wife of Alex B Stiven. To the end of his days will deplore her death, which happened upon the 25th November 1783 in the 23rd year of her age. What was remarkable of her, she was a mother without knowing it, and a wife without letting her husband know it except by her kind indulgence to him.
There are many theories that attempt to explain it but none have been proved. One such theory states that there was a romance between a European slave master and African female slave in a time when this was taboo. Others claim that Betty gave birth to a child while unconscious. Do you have a theory?
The mystery tomb is still a mystery to date … and who knows, it may always be a mystery.
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Nearby Destinations (10)
You can not leave Tobago without a visit to the unique jewel that is Adventure Farm and Nature Reserve, a 12 acre working organic estate which engages in sustainable agriculture. This small plantation grows citrus and other fruits and the best place for bird watching as it is home to many species of birds like the Mot Mot, Blue Tanagers, Humming Birds, and many more.
Back Bay is an 8-minute walk from the Mount Irvine Bay hotel. Snorkeling, body surfing and tanning is generally excellent at this bay. It also very secluded so best go in a group.
This beach which is a great spot for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, surfing and sun bathing is located in the Black Rock area just below Fort Bennett.
Fort Bennett is located in Black Rock, Tobago, overlooking Grafton Beach. The Fort was built by the Dutch between 1628 and 1636. Later on, in the 1680’s the Courlanders refortified it in order to protect their then flourishing settlement in the Great Courland Bay area.
Located in Plymouth – one of Tobago’s oldest towns – this Fort overlooks Great Courland Bay on a well manicured headland which makes this destination excellent for sightseeing, relaxing and picnicking.
Grange Breach (also known as the wall by locals) offers great swimming and is a perfect destination to relax and watch the sunset.
Mount Irvine beach is popular for surfing; you can come and enjoy good surf from December to March. In addition to this Mount Irvine is the place to do some great snorkeling. The beach also houses a great bar and restaurant.
Stonehaven Bay is a picturesque beach destination that comprised of soft, light brown, medium grain sand that is ideal for destination weddings, leisurely romantic walks, sunbathing, snorkeling, kayaking and surfing.
This sculpture was built to honour the early settlers to Plymouth who came from Courland (now called Latvia) It was created in 1976 by a local artist and sculpture and represents “freedom”.
Turtle Beach also known as Great Courland Bay, got its name from the amount of turtles that will come ashore and lay their eggs. For you turtle lovers, turtle nesting period starts from March to August and it is also said to be a good spot for bird watching on the Northern side. The large shaded bay is also a great and relaxing bathing, surfing and kayaking site. Even though there are no lifeguards on duty, the nearby hotel puts up flags for sea bathers that indicate the safer areas.
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