HISTORICAL HEARTBEAT

from Town of St. George Guide 2023/24

INSIDER’S GUIDE

NAMED A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE IN 2000, THE TOWN IS FULL OF HISTORICAL HOMES, FASCINATING STREET NAMES WITH THEIR OWN STORIES TO TELL, AND HISTORICAL RE-ENACTMENTS.

The site of the first Bermuda settlement in 1609, following the wreck of the Sea Venture on the island’s treacherous shores, and its first capital before the City of Hamilton took that fame a couple hundred years later in 1815, the Town of St. George and surrounding parish continue to be one of the most dynamic landmarks to visit on the island.

Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, the town is full of historical homes, fascinating street names with their own stories to tell, and historical re-enactments, plus beaches and walking trails through the island’s environs.

King’s Square is the centre of activity for this vibrant town, including the municipal seat of Town Hall and the location of yearly events such as the Peppercorn Ceremony. If you’d like a perfect photo op, check out the macabre stocks and pillory, once used as a form of punishment, or head along to Ordnance Island for the perfect vantage point to snap the to-and-fro-ing of sailboats, yachts, and ships in St. George’s Harbour.

Along Water and Duke of York Streets and the winding, narrow lanes that feed off them, you’ll find historic homes and buildings, many managed by the

Bermuda National Trust and open for tours, including Tucker House Museum located at 5 Water Street. Visit the Globe Museum on the northwest corner of King’s Square, which is also the site of the Trustworthy Gift Shop, featuring special Bermuda-inspired gifts.

Just across from the Globe Museum is the gem in the town’s crown: St. Peter’s Their Majesties Chappell, the oldest Anglican Church in continuous use in the New World. The inside of the church holds a magnificent testament to the island’s history and culture, in particular, highlights on the influence and contributions of Bermuda’s African connection through the African Diaspora Heritage Trail, and the stark reality of Bermuda’s troubled past punctuated by the segregated graveyard.

If you’re visiting during the winter months, the streets and parks of the town are aglow with lights and events such as the National Trust Walkabout, which takes place the first Friday in December. Many of the historic homes open for tours and festivities.

NOT SURE WHERE TO START?

THE INDISPENSABLE MAPS OF BERMUDA GUIDE IS AVAILABLE DIGITALLY AT WWW.VISITBERMUDANOW.COM.

History Comes To Life

Wind your way through any of the curiously named streets in this town — including Shinbone Alley, Aunt Peggy’s Lane, and Blockade Alley — and you’ll see some of Bermuda’s finest, and perhaps oldest, architecture. This is a living town, so many of these historical homes are inhabited and aren’t accessible, but many examples of Bermuda architecture can be viewed from the streets. Houses that are open to the public include the centuries-old Mitchell House, which currently houses the St. George’s Historical Society Museum, Printery, and Garden, and Stewart Hall, an 18th-century home that now houses The Lili Bermuda Perfumery.

Overlooking the town just off Duke of Kent Street sits the other imposing church in this town — except this one was never finished. The soaring stone archways of this Gothic revival known as the Unfinished Church are a spellbinding sight to behold, and the church has been the enchanting backdrop for many weddings.

Within St. George’s Parish are several naval forts, most notably Fort St. Catherine’s on the very northern edge of the island. Along with spooky winding tunnels and a fascinating array of antique weaponry, ramparts offer views stretching out along the island’s North Shore and beyond.

Living It Up

Being right on the water has its advantages, and exploring the many islands and inlets that make up St. George’s Harbour is a great way to spend the day. Rental boats and pontoons or kayaks and paddleboards can be rented, or book a tour on a Jet Ski or a boat with a licensed captain to get the inside scoop on hidden gems and local favourites.

St. George’s is also home to spectacular beaches and walking trails. A trip east to Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve in St. David’s is essential. Seek out several of the island’s most idyllic beaches after you’ve beaten the trails through forest and salt marsh, or get up high to view Bermuda’s stunning coastline from the Wildlife Observation Tower.

You can also rent an electric Pedego bike near the St. George’s ferry stop at Penno’s Drive and explore the East End at your own pace; or join a tour and get an inside look into the history of the Town of St. George, go off-roading along the Ferry Reach Railway Trail, or discover all that St. David’s and Cooper’s Island have to offer.

Just a few steps away from St. Peter’s church is the Visitor Services Centre at 25 York Street, a good place to start planning your East End adventures. Chat with the helpful staff, who can provide insider knowledge about the town and assist in booking your local tours. Scan the QR code on the poster found inside the Visitor Services Centre to download the new Visit Bermuda app or view the digital Town of St. George Guide, as well as the Maps of Bermuda guide, to help you navigate the area, buy bus and ferry tickets and passes, and purchase Bermuda-branded merchandise.

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