Runaway Ghaut is so named as it was used as the escape route in 1712 for the French when they were driven off the island once again by the English. The ravine on the other side of the road, where the waters of Runaway Ghaut find their way to the sea is called Frenchman’s Creek. Capt. George Whyke, with a force of only 60 men, held up the French of 3,500 men long enough for many of the inhabitants to flee to safety to the mountains. The Ghaut also became of prominence when it came to the rescue of Montserratians in 1965. In that year there was an 11- month drought and many standpipes stood empty. People from the north travelled to the Ghaut to collect water. |