The Dockyard Times
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23 Sessions House
Anglican Cathedral
Front Street
Dine, Shop and Explore in Hamilton By Elizabeth Jones
U
nlike St. George’s, throughout its history the City of Hamilton has adapted its architecture to suit its changing needs. Four years after the city became Bermuda’s capital and seat of Government in 1815, the Sessions House was erected with its distinctive terracotta edged clock tower and arches being added in 1887 to honour Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. The building contains Bermuda’s House of Assembly upstairs, and the Supreme Court downstairs. The Cabinet Building on Front Street,
overlooking Hamilton Harbour was completed in 1841. Originally known as the Public Building and in 1938 as the Colonial Secretariat, it now houses the Premier’s office and the Senate’s meeting place. In the grounds stands a statue of Sally Basset, a slave who was burned at the stake in 1730. In 1884 arsonists burnt the city’s Trinity Church on Church Street. Shortly afterwards work began on rebuilding it and by 1911 it became the official bishopric seat of Bermuda’s Anglican Church. Since then its 143-foot tower has become a much loved landmark on the city’s skyline.
It’s also an attraction for tourists willing to climb the 155 steps to the top for a spectacular panoramic view of the Harbour, the City and much of the Island. As tourism began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, so shops increased along Front, Queen and Reid Streets, selling to mostly North American visitors luxury goods, including British fine china and glassware, cashmere sweaters, perfumes and cosmetics at duty free prices. Restaurants, offering catering diverse cuisine, bars and clubs began to flourish there, as well as on Bermudiana Road, west of the city. But the biggest architectural changes happened as the city became an international business centre during the 20th and 21st centuries. Now multi-storey office buildings to the west and east of the city, as well as apartment blocks to the north, compete with the cathedral for dominance over
the skyline. The older, more traditional architecture is still in the mix, particularly at the back of town where some of the buildings resemble those in the French Quarter of New Orleans. On Queen Street the Bermuda National Library and Bermuda Historical Society Museum built in 1815 were once the home of Postmaster William Perot who planted the extensive gardens that now make up the beautiful Par-laVille Park. Later he built an annex for his post office, the Perot Post Office, which is still operating. Hamilton’s City Hall and Arts Centre opened as late as 1960 but thanks to its local architect Will Onions, its design is quintessentially Bermudian. Downstairs are the Corporation offices and the theatre. Visitors are welcome to visit the upstairs Bermuda National Gallery and the Bermuda Society of Arts Gallery. Easy to explore on foot, the City has park spaces in ad-
City Hall and Arts Centre: Well worth a visit for its appealing white washed design and for the cedar work and portraits in the lobby. In the grounds are bronze statues by Desmond Fountain. The Bermuda National Gallery: On the second floor of City Hall, the National Gallery exhibits permanent collections of African and European art as well hosting temporary exhibits by international and local artists. The Bermuda National Library and Bermuda Historical Society Museum: Established in 1895, the museum celebrates Bermuda’s 400-year history through its Bermudian silver, cedar furniture and portraits. Par-la-Ville Park: Once William Perot’s private garden, in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, it has been renamed the Queen Elizabeth II Park.
dition to Par-la-Ville. Behind City Hall is Victoria Park with its bandstand an ideal setting for summer concerts. Albuoy’s Point near the ferry terminal
and Barr’s Bay Park offer great views of the Harbour and an opportunity to watch seabirds swoop in and out of the water.
FREE UPSIZE
Flannagan’s on Front Street is a favourite local pub and restaurant.
Must Sees!
You can find a wide selection of the famous Bermuda shorts at English Sports Shop on Front Street.
A must-see attraction!
SHELLS • SHIPWRECKS • TREASURE • VIRTUAL DIVE
VIRTUAL SHARK CAGE • BERMUDA TRIANGLE AND MORE!
BERMUDA UNDERWATER EXPLORATION INSTITUTE Open 7 days a week from 10am - 5pm (last admission at 4pm) 15 minute walk from Hamilton Ferry Terminal | www.buei.org | 292.7219
when you purchase any Colonel’s Combo.