Napoleon’s Exile and the Forgotten Coffee of St. Helena

In 1732, the British East India Company planted coffee seeds from Mocha on a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic — St. Helena. For decades, no one checked on them. Not until 1814 did officials confirm the plants were still there. This is the story of how those original Mocha coffee trees survived political upheaval, military unrest, and one of history’s most famous prisoners.

The answer lies in 1732 — when Mocha coffee seeds were first cultivated on St. Helena. Though forgotten for decades, the plants endured, eventually becoming part of the daily life of the island’s most famous resident: Napoleon Bonaparte.

The Coffee Planting That Time Forgot

The British East India Company introduced Mocha coffee seeds to St. Helena in 1732. For almost 80 years, there’s no record anyone followed up. It wasn’t until 1814 — long after the trees were mature — that someone officially reported seeing coffee plants on the island. This early planting marked one of the first attempts to cultivate Mocha outside its native Yemen, in an unlikely location far from established trade routes.

A Volatile Island for a High-Profile Prisoner

Though a British territory, St. Helena had a history of mutiny and unrest. When the British government chose it to imprison Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815, they had good reason. The island’s isolation made external rescue nearly impossible. But its own history of rebellion posed risks — especially with a figure as influential as Napoleon. His charm and leadership could easily have inspired a revolt.

To mitigate this, authorities didn’t place him near the busy port of Jamestown. Instead, he was held at Longwood House, a remote and less accessible villa inland. It sat at an elevation of 600 metres — the island’s most windswept, unpredictable, and humid spot. Security was tight: over 2,000 troops guarded the area, and a strict curfew ran from 9 p.m. to dawn. During the day, Napoleon could move, but always under heavy escort.

Napoleon’s Daily Coffee Ritual

Despite the harsh surroundings, coffee became Napoleon’s one true comfort in exile. He drank it religiously: 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. That’s at least three cups daily, each prepared and served by an attendant. For a man used to power, the ritual became a focal point of stability and normalcy.

His coffee equipment reflected his refined tastes. As early as 1806, Napoleon commissioned a custom Sèvres porcelain coffee service, painted by famed artist Jacques-Louis David (also referred to here as , likely a transliteration of David). The set featured “Egyptian Scenery” — vivid illustrations of the ancient monuments and landscapes he observed during his 1798 Egyptian campaign. Gold Egyptian hieroglyphs contrasted with black backgrounds, while the cups themselves showed blue skies, detailed Egyptian daily life, and central portraits of notable figures. These pieces were among his most treasured belongings, brought with him to St. Helena. Though now likely reproductions, they remain on display at Longwood House — a poignant reminder of his daily coffee moments and his lost empire.

What Became of the Original Coffee Plants?

While the article does not detail the ultimate fate of the original 1732 Mocha coffee plants, their existence allowed for a continuous, if limited, coffee tradition on St. Helena. The island later developed its own reputation for coffee cultivation, particularly in the 19th century, and modern St. Helena coffee is now a sought-after single origin, known for its unique terroir and historical roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When were coffee plants first planted on St. Helena?

Coffee seeds, specifically from Mocha, were planted on St. Helena in 1732 by the British East India Company. There is no record of follow-up until 1814, when officials confirmed the plants were still growing.

Did Napoleon drink coffee while in exile on St. Helena?

Yes, Napoleon drank coffee daily during his exile. He had at least three cups per day: 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.

Where was Napoleon held during his exile on St. Helena?

Napoleon was not held in the populated port area of Jamestown. Instead, he lived at Longwood House, a remote villa located at 600 metres altitude, chosen for its isolation and security. The site was heavily guarded and subject to strict movement limits.

What was special about Napoleon’s coffee cups on St. Helena?

Napoleon brought with him to St. Helena a custom Sèvres porcelain coffee service, painted by Jacques-Louis David. Known as the “Egyptian Scenery” set, it featured illustrations from his Egyptian campaign, gold hieroglyphics, and detailed portraits. These items were among his most valued possessions and are now displayed as reproductions at Longwood House.

Is coffee still grown on St. Helena today?

Yes, St. Helena is known today for producing its own distinctive single-origin coffee, grown in the island’s high-altitude regions. While the original 1732 Mocha plants laid early groundwork, modern St. Helena coffee has evolved into a niche but well-regarded specialty origin.

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