see the sights Our ambassador of goodwill will set you on your way tions are numbered on our maps and described in the text. Use our large pullout map (between pages 16 & 17) for an island overview; for a map of St. George’s, see page 18, the City of Hamilton on 24, and Dockyard on 29. Also, ‘W’ at the end of a listing denotes ‘wheelchair accessible’.
Parishes
Photo by Kageaki Smith
Our living legend Johnny Barnes, so feted he even has his own statue.
He’s the ultimate ‘morning person’ and a warm greeting from folk hero Johnny Barnes is the ideal way to start your sightseeing tour. Every weekday he’s at Crow Lane roundabout from 6am to 10am, showering city commuters with waves, blown kisses and a smile that could melt the heart of even the most jaded traveller. We begin our tour in the historic former capital, St. George’s. Wherever you go, don’t forget to greet all you meet: as Johnny reminds us each morning — it’s the Bermuda way!
In 1609 the survivors of the English wreck of the Sea Venture struggled onto Bermuda’s shores, well short of their intended destination of Jamestown, Virginia. By 1615 the Somers Island Company was developing Bermuda and exploiting her natural resources. The island was surveyed and what is now St. George’s Parish was set aside as public or company land. The remainder was divided into eight tribes or parishes, named after the principal shareholders in the Somers Island Company. These were, from east to west: Hamilton, Smith’s, Devonshire, Pembroke, Paget, Warwick, Southampton and Sandys. Along with St. George’s, they have become the nine parishes of Bermuda.
Using our maps
ST. GEORGE’S PARISH
It’s easy to find your way around Bermuda. There are four main arteries: South Road runs along the south shore, North Shore Road hugs the north shore, Middle Road runs through the centre of the island and Harbour Road follows the inner harbour, across from Hamilton. Each road brings you into the city of Hamilton. Key attrac-
Bermuda’s oldest town, St. George’s, was founded in 1612 and became a World Heritage Site in 2000. It was our capital until 1815, when Hamilton became the capital. 1-17 are on our detailed map above. 1 St. Peter’s Church [now also known as Their Majesties Chappell], Duke of York St., is the oldest Anglican church outside
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