PORT-Royal, a sea-port town in the island of Jamaica. It was once a place of the greatest riches and importance in the West Indies; but in 1692 it was destroyed by an earthquake, in 1702 by fire, in 1722 by an inundation of the sea, and in 1744 it suffered greatly by a hurricane. It is now reduced to three streets, a few lanes, and about 200 houses. It contains the royal navy-yard for heaving down and resitting the king's ships; the navy-hospital, and barracks for a regiment of soldiers. The fortifications, which are very extensive, being in excellent order, and having been lately strengthened with many additional works, it may be said to vie in point of strength with any fortrefs in the king's dominions. The harbour is one of the best in the world, and 1000 ships may ride therein, secure from every wind that can blow. It is six miles east of Spanish-town, and as much by water south-east of Kingston. W. Long. 76. 40. N. Lat. 18. 0.