Government House, Bermuda
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| Government House | |
|---|---|
Government of Bermuda | |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | William Cardy Hallet |
Government House is the
History, architecture and grounds
Built in the Italianate style, Government House was designed by architect William Cardy Hallet and built in 1892. It replaced an earlier residence called "Mount Langton" (after a Scottish estate belonging to Sir James Cockburn, 9th Baronet, of Langton, Berwickshire, Governor of Bermuda from 1811 to 1812, from 1814 to 1816 and from 1817 to 1819) which had served as Government House from 1815 when the seat of government was moved from St. George's. Built with stone imported from France, it is a landmark which is visible from the road or water with its off-white stone towers and arches. The house's grounds consist of 33 acres (130,000 m2), making them one of the largest open spaces left in Bermuda.
Government House has more than 30 rooms, including a large
Outside the main entrance to the house are three cannons, which have been in their present position since 1919. On either side of the cannons are two Washingtonia filifera (Petticoat Palms) planted by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in February 1975. From the terrace opposite there used to be steps down into the garden; it was close to these that on the night of March 10, 1973, the then governor Sir Richard Sharples was murdered, together with his aide-de-camp, Captain Hugh Sayers, and his dog.
To the left are the West Gates and on the terrace is a
Down the steps there is an avenue of Bermuda cedars, the first on the left planted by Sir Edward Richards, the first black Bermudian to head the government of the Island. Two others bear the names of Princess Alexandra and Princess Margaret. Just to the left of the bottom of the path there is a royal poinciana planted by the Duke of Windsor on in 1940, and 25 yards (23 m) back towards the house a royal palm planted by Prince George, Duke of Kent, in 1928.
Across the lawn towards the garage and outbuildings or Government House takes is a
Opposite the cottage there is a flight of steps leading down into the Marsh Folly Gardens. In this sheltered and well-wooded area there some of the oldest white cedars on the island. On the other side of the road is a rock garden. Back towards the terrace is a collection of Arecaceae (palms) planted by British prime ministers and US presidents: John Major (1991), George H. W. Bush (1990 and 1991), Margaret Thatcher (1990), Harold Macmillan (1961), Edward Heath (1972) and Richard Nixon (late 1960s).
As the largest open green area in Pembroke Parish, it has every endemic and native species of vegetation that existed before the colonisation of Bermuda. These are crucial to ward off erosion and wind damage from hurricanes. The grounds of Government House were severely damaged by
Government House today
Government House is used for national and ceremonial functions, as well as receptions and meetings with foreign dignitaries and heads of state. As well as being the official residence of the governor's family, it is also a working office employing executive, secretarial and domestic staff for the governor and the deputy governor (who resides elsewhere).
Although the governor is King Charles III's representative, appointed by the British government, the upkeep of Government House (and the governor's own salary, staff and other expenses) is the responsibility of the Government of Bermuda.
In 2024 the building was deemed uninhabitable due to deterioration caused by water ingress and vacated pending major repair works.
See also
References
External links
Official government residences in North America | |
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