St George, Bermuda Tourist Attractions
|
|
Bermuda's 400-year old town of St George is the earliest continuously inhabited English settlement in the Western Hemisphere. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, St George and its surrounding forts are a focus of authentic, colonial architecture in the New World.St George's brightly painted stone and masonry buildings are laid out in a narrow maze of streets with names like Old Maid's Lane and Featherbed Alley.Cruise ship passengers come ashore at Ordnance Island where nearby restaurants, shops and historic sites are centered. It was on Ordnance Island in 1609 where shipwrecked Admiral George Somers and his crew built two ships, the Deliverance and the Patience, to replace their original vessel. A replica of the Deliverance can be seen here.St George's related fortifications demonstrate the development of English military engineering from the 17th to the 20th century
St Peter's Church
The oldest Anglican church site in continuous use in the western hemisphere was completed by December 1612. The churchyard contains many headstones which date back over 300 years including those of slaves.
Tucker House Museum
18th-19th century life is reflected in this collection of cedar furniture, portraits and silver belonging to the Tuckers, a prominent Bermuda family plus an archaeological display of artifacts discovered under the existing cellar floor. The Rainey Memorial Room presents the history of Joseph Rainey, the first Black man to hold a seat in the House of Representatives.
St George Historical Society Museum
An interesting collection of cedar furniture and Bermuda artifacts are housed in this example of 18th C Bermudian architecture.
St George's Post Office
St George's post office, a point on the African Diaspora Heritage Trail, houses an inscription stating that a missionary was imprisoned there for preaching to the black community.
Barber's Alley
A street named for a barbershop run by the Rainey family, influential Black settlers in the 1860's.
Bermuda National Trust Museum
One of the oldest stone buildings in Bermuda, the museum features exhibits depicting Bermuda's role in the American Civil War and a history of the island.
Bridge House Gallery
Bridge House, built shortly after 1700, once a home to several governors, is now an art gallery and gift shop.
Old Rectory
One of the oldest houses in Bermuda, built c 1699, is a private residence and art gallery.
Somers Garden
Pleasant public gardens whose focal point is the memorial to Sir George Somers, founder of Bermuda, whose heart is buried here.
State House
Originally Bermuda's first Parliament, the Italianate State House is one of the oldest standing stone structures in the Western Hemisphere.
Unfinished Church
This Gothic 19th C structure, abandoned before completion, is now a picturesque ruin.
Bermudian Heritage Museum
Bermuda's cultural and social history are exhibited this Black history museum.
King's Square
The hub of St George features a ducking-stool, pillory and stocks.
Ordnance Island
The site on which Admiral George Somers built the Deliverance is also area where the condemned were hanged.
Deliverance 17th Century Sailing Ship
A replica of the vessel that shipwrecked Admiral Somers built in 1609. Below decks are mannequins dressed in 17th century costumes.
Ducking Stool - Ordnance Island
Volunteers from the audience face an example of 18th century justice.
George Somers Statue
Statue of Sir George Somers, founder of Bermuda.
Historic Days in St George's
Historic Days in St George's comprises entertaining historical reenactments.
St George's Town Hall
The Town Hall contains Bermuda cedar furnishings and photographs of past mayors.
