Napoleon’s Exile and Saint Helena’s Historic Coffee

When you think of Napoleon Bonaparte, you might picture battlefields or imperial palaces — not a windswept island in the South Atlantic sipping coffee under armed guard. Yet for the last six years of his life, that’s exactly where he ended up: exiled on Saint Helena, a remote British outpost. But even cut off from Europe, he still had one daily ritual that never changed: coffee. So how did coffee even get to this isolated rock, and what role did it play in the life of the fallen emperor?

In short: British East India Company planted Mocha coffee on Saint Helena in 1732. By 1814, coffee trees were confirmed growing there. When Napoleon was exiled to the island in 1815, he drank at least three cups a day — all brewed from locally grown Saint Helena coffee.

The Origins of Coffee on Saint Helena

The story begins long before Napoleon ever set foot on the island. In 1732, the British East India Company introduced Mocha coffee seeds to Saint Helena, a volcanic island over 1,200 miles off the coast of Africa. For decades, there was no follow-up or record. Then, in 1814, the first official report confirmed that coffee trees were indeed growing there. Though the island had a turbulent military history with several uprisings, its climate — especially at higher elevations — proved suitable for coffee cultivation.

Napoleon’s Arrival and Strict Exile Conditions

Napoleon arrived on Saint Helena in October 1815 after his defeat at Waterloo. The British chose to imprison him not in the main port town of James Town, but in a more remote and defensible location: Longwood House, located around 600 meters above sea level. This house, originally a farm storage building, was transformed into his residence. Over 2,000 soldiers were stationed on the island to ensure he could not escape. While the location offered stunning views, it was also extremely windy, humid, and subject to rapid weather changes — far from comfortable.

Napoleon was given some freedom during the day but was always accompanied by guards. A strict curfew was enforced from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Despite these harsh conditions, he had one luxury he refused to live without: coffee.

Napoleon’s Daily Coffee Ritual

Napoleon drank coffee three times a day like clockwork. He had one cup with breakfast at 6 a.m., another after lunch at 10 a.m., and a final one after dinner at 8 p.m. Each cup was prepared and served by an attendant. He was particular about his coffee service. As early as 1806, he had commissioned a custom coffee set from the famed French porcelain maker Sèvres. These cups and saucers, painted by the artist Denon, featured scenes from his Egyptian campaign — ancient monuments, local people, and landscapes — all set against black backgrounds accented with gold Egyptian hieroglyphs. The design included a central portrait and bright blue skies over vivid Egyptian vistas.

This coffee set, a favorite of Napoleon, accompanied him to Saint Helena. Though now only replicas remain in Longwood House (which is the island’s most visited historical site), they were a vital connection to his past. British visitors often commented on the set, and today it remains one of the most requested artifacts to see — though no original examples are available for purchase.

The Legacy of Saint Helena Coffee

The coffee Napoleon drank was grown on the island itself. The British had cultivated Mocha variety coffee here since the early 18th century, and by the time of Napoleon’s exile, it had become a notable local product. Grown at elevation, the coffee likely shared characteristics with other high-altitude Mocha-type coffees: bright acidity, medium body, and distinctive floral or fruity notes. Though production later declined, Saint Helena coffee has seen a modern revival and is now considered a rare and historical origin.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was coffee first planted on Saint Helena?

Coffee seeds, specifically Mocha variety, were first planted on Saint Helena by the British East India Company in 1732. The first confirmed report of coffee trees actually growing on the island came in 1814.

Why was Napoleon sent to Saint Helena?

Napoleon was exiled to Saint Helena in October 1815 after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. The British chose the remote island, over 1,200 miles off Africa, to prevent any possibility of his return to power or rescue by allies.

Where did Napoleon live on Saint Helena?

Napoleon lived in Longwood House, a remote and elevated residence around 600 meters above sea level. It was chosen for its isolation and security, surrounded by over 2,000 British troops. The site is windy, damp, and subject to frequent weather shifts.

How much coffee did Napoleon drink every day?

Napoleon drank at least three cups of coffee per day during his exile: one at breakfast (6 a.m.), one after lunch (10 a.m.), and one after dinner (8 p.m.). Each cup was prepared and served by an attendant.

What happened to Napoleon’s coffee set?

Napoleon brought his custom Sèvres coffee set — featuring Egyptian-themed artwork painted by Denon — to Saint Helena. Although the original set remains on display (likely as replicas) at Longwood House, it is not available for purchase. It remains a significant historical artifact linked to his time in exile.

Does Saint Helena still grow coffee today?

Yes, Saint Helena coffee is still grown today, mainly from historic plantings. The island’s coffee has gained renewed attention in recent years as a rare and historical origin, with unique high-elevation characteristics.

FrontStreet Coffee Beans Like Napoleon’s Saint Helena

While Saint Helena coffee is rare today, you can explore similarly bright and complex single origins that echo its high-elevation profile. Try FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for floral, citrus notes; or their Panama Huacai for delicate florals and stone fruit. Both share the crisp acidity and clarity associated with Mocha-type coffees. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.