If Bermuda is a veritable paradise, St. George is the very core and heart of this heaven. Kissed by the azure waves of North Atlantic and ringed by coral-edged shores, lies this quaint and beautiful town.
St. George is not merely a place; it is a living, breathing chronicle of history, resilience, and unyielding spirit. Cradled in the embrace of time, it tells a tale as captivating as the siren songs that once lured sailors to its shores.
‘The Sea Venture’
The saga begins in the summer of 1609, with the Sea Venture, a ship bound for the fledgling colony of Jamestown, Virginia. Caught in the throes of a ferocious hurricane, the vessel was cast upon Bermuda’s treacherous reefs. The survivors, led by Admiral Sir George Somers and Governor Thomas Gates, found themselves on an uncharted island, their vessel shattered but their spirits unbroken. It was here, amidst the emerald groves and crystalline waters, that they laid the foundations of what would become the first permanent English settlement in the New World, predating even Jamestown.
More than 400 years have passed since that fateful shipwreck, and all these years the place has grown and blossomed into a beautiful township, showcasing its beginning as an English colonial village with its fine examples of early architecture, winding lanes with uniquely Bermudian names, and the relics of an administrative and justice system so very representative of its phases of development mirroring the events, ambitions and aspiration of a new world.
St. George, named in honour of Somers, swiftly grew from these humble beginnings. By 1612, new settlers arrived, transforming this once-forgotten isle into a bustling hub of colonial ambition. Much of the township of St. George, which was the island’s original capital for close to 200 years, before the same was bestowed upon the city of Hamilton in 1815 continues to highlight its historical treasures, being named a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2000. This accolade has not only preserved its architectural gems but has also rejuvenated the town, drawing visitors from around the globe to its storied streets. Here, history is not confined to dusty tomes but lives and breathes in the daily lives of its inhabitants.
The Unfinished Church
St. Peter’s Church
The town’s narrow, winding streets and charming alleyways, lined with pastel-hued buildings, whisper stories of yesteryear to those who wander them. Each cobblestone, each wooden beam in the historic St. Peter’s Church, bears silent witness to the passage of centuries.
This church, the oldest Anglican place of worship in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere, stands as a testament to the enduring faith and fortitude of Bermuda’s early settlers. Its weathered cedar beams and ancient gravestones narrate tales of love, loss, and unyielding faith in a new beginning. Nearby, the imposing Fort St. Catherine, perched at the island’s northern tip, once guarded against marauding pirates and hostile fleets. Today, it stands sentinel over a peaceful town, its stone walls housing a museum that echoes with the clank of swords and the boom of cannons.
As you meander through St. George, the past melds seamlessly with the present. The State House, Bermuda’s first government building constructed in 1620, stands proud and dignified, the oldest stone edifice on the island. Across town, the Tucker House Museum offers a glimpse into the daily lives of 18th-century Bermudians, its rooms filled with artefacts that paint a vivid portrait of a bygone era.
A Vibrant Life
Yet, St. George is not merely a relic of history. It is a place of vibrant life and culture. The harbour, once a refuge for storm-tossed sailors, now shelters yachts and fishing boats, their colourful hulls bobbing gently on the tide. The town’s beaches, like Tobacco Bay, invite visitors to bask in the sun’s warm embrace and explore the underwater wonders of its coral reefs.
St. George’s cultural tapestry is rich and varied, woven with threads of community pride and tradition. Every week, the town reenacts the infamous “Ducking Stool” punishment, a playful nod to its colonial past that delights and educates in equal measure. The town’s restaurants serve up local delicacies, offering a taste of Bermuda’s culinary heritage, while quaint shops brim with handcrafted treasures.
On any given day, the town is vibrant destination for shopping, dining, and activities as well as exploration of its fabled attractions.
Lily Bermuda
That such a tiny bit of an island whose resident population is less than 2000 people, should support a thriving and well-regarded perfumery brings distinction to the place and and delight to the visitor. For almost hundred years, the island’s scents have been captured in a luxury collection of fragrances. Lily Bermuda reiterates the time-honoured perfume business emphatically and with excellence. It has refined each scent and created a sensory experience that both epitomises and expands Bermuda’s beauty. Scents ranging from citrus, spice, aromatics, fruits, floral, woody, musk, and ambers have been curated to create the basis of a signature fragrance.
From fresh ocean spray to spring florals, these bottled delights are a gorgeous way to take back a unique memory of time spent on the island.
A Lasting Memory
In St. George, every stone, every wave, every whisper of the wind tells a story. It is a place where time stands still, allowing visitors to step back into a world of adventure, resilience, and discovery. It is more than a destination; it is an experience, a journey into the heart of Bermuda’s soul. As you leave, the memories of St. George linger like the taste of sea salt on your lips, a poignant reminder of a place where history and beauty intertwine in a timeless dance.
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