This location on what is now called Church Folly Lane was originally site of the house for the Governor which was built after Samuel Day refused to vacate the house he built when he was Governor in 1700. There was a Governor's house on the site until 1815 which it was demolished to make way for a church which was to replace Saint Peters in town. Saint Peters was considered too far gone to be saved. Financial difficulties, arguments within the Anglican community, and then storm damage caused the project to be abandoned, but the silver lining is that it resulted in the restoration of St. Peters. It is now the properties of the Bermuda National Trust. According to Bermuda-Online, stone masons are attempting to restore the building to the original architectural plans which were by the famous Scottish firm of William Hay (who also designed the current Anglican Cathedral in the city of...
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Confederate Museum was the Globe Hotel
by grandmaR
This building with the typical twin chimneys was called the Confederate Museum when we were there in 1995. We didn't go because I thought it cost too much. It is now called the Bermuda National Trust Museum at the Globe Hotel. The Bermuda-Online website says:"It began life as Bermuda's second Government House - dwelling and seat of power of the colonial Governor (Samuel Day) from 1698 to 1700. When he refused to give it up after being replaced as Governor, it became his private residence and a third Government House was built on the site of the Unfinished Church. Later, as the Globe Hotel, it became the headquarters of the Confederate Agent in Bermuda in the American Civil War. For many years it was known as the Confederate Museum. This has now been deemed politically incorrect and the building is now referred to instead as Rogues and Runners, much to the outrage of at least one American...
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Carriage House Museum
by grandmaR
The carriage museum is interesting and it was free. It was also dark for taking pictures. We visited in 1995, and intended to go again in 2004 but did not have time. This museum is part of a multimillion-dollar waterfront restoration that includes several shops and the Carriage House Restaurant at Somer's Wharf. It is now the site of a restaurant and I'm not sure whether they even have the museum anymore as mostly I read about the restaurant.If they still have the museum, it is at #5 Water Street and has a large collection of carriages from the 18th and 19th century. Automobiles were banned in Bermuda as a result of an accident between a car and a carriage. This period actually lasted until 1946, when automobiles were finally allowed on the island. Visitors will find a wide range of private and commercial carriages, providing an interesting look into Bermuda's pre-car past. Photo 4 is a...
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Tucker House
by grandmaR
I intended to go to Tucker House, but we didn't have time. It was at 5 Water Street. We passed it on the walk up from the cruise ship dock. It is one of the Bermuda Trust properties, notable because it was the home of Bermuda President of the Governor’s Council Henry Tucker who moved into the house in 1775; his family remained there until 1809. The Tuckers were a prominant Bermudian family, whose members included a treasurer of the United States, and a captain in the Confederate Navy. In addition to the usual Bermuda cedar furniture, silver, period kitchen and other artifacts, one room is devoted to memorabilia of Joseph Hayne Rainey. It is believed that Joseph Rainey, a free Black man from South Carolina, operated a barber shop in or near the kitchen at Tucker House from 1862-1865. Rainey and his wife arrived in Bermuda during 1862 - refugees from the American Civil War. In addition to...
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Somers Park
by grandmaR
This was the monument that was dedicated to Sir George in the park in the 1920's.At the top of the monument plaque is a man's head with flowing locks and a mustache (a la Shakespeare except he looks more blond and less bald). Under that is a two masted ship foundering on a reef.Then there are the dates 1609 - 1909The text under that says: "In commemoration of the settlement of these islands on the 28th of July 1609" "and" "in honour of Admiral Sir George Somers Kt. at whose instance largely the settlement was effected""This memorial has been erected out of a grant made by the legislature of this colony"In back of the monument on the right is a public bathroom building which is not in the old photo.
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