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The earliest recorded civilisation in Belize was the Mayan dating from 1500 BC to AD 800. In the late classic period of the Mayan civilisation (before AD 1000) it is believed that up to 400,000 people may have lived in Belize. Europeans arrived in the 16th century and tried to settle the inland areas of Belize but they were forced to abandon these efforts after repeated Mayan rebellions and attacks. Spanish occupied the coast.

English and Scottish buccaneers called Baymen, seeking a sheltered area from which to attack Spanish ships, settled in Belize. During the 18th century the settlers began cutting logwood as it yielded a fixing agent perfect for clothing dyes which was so vital to the European woolen industry. In exchange for an end to piracy, the Spanish allowed the British settlers to occupy the area and cut logwood.

Eventually war broke out over ownership of Belize as an invading force from Mexico attempted to take Belize for Spain whilst a small group of resident woodcutters fought back with the help of black slaves. Glad flower delivery Oxford wasn't caught up in it! The Spanish repeatedly attempted to regain control over Belize until their last effort on 10th September 1798 when the British repelled a Spanish fleet in the Battle of St. George’s Cave.