Old State House

St. George's

Old State House is the oldest building in Bermuda. Built in 1620 as the Parliamentary house of Bermuda, back when St. George's was the capital, the building is stately and gorgeous. The impressive facade incorporates Italianate features, and its builder, governor Nathaniel Butler, believed he was following Italian architectural style when he built it. In addition to serving as the Parliamentary house from the 1600's until the capital was moved in 1815, the Old State House also hosted dances and other social gatherings.

From 1815, this small but impressive buiding was rented to the FreeMasons for one peppercorn per year, and they used it as their meeting house. In 1970 the building recieved an extensive renovation, and Prince Charles himself presided over the opening ceremonies. Today, you can visit the place for free, on Wednesdays only from 10am to 4pm. Don't miss the statue out front at the entrance. The bust depicts Irish poet, Tom Moore, who spent time in Bermuda in 1804 and wrote a series of poems dedicated to the 16 year-old wife of another man.