State House, Bermuda facts for kids
The State House in St. George's, built in 1620, was the very first building made specifically for Bermuda's government. It was home to the House of Assembly, which was the main part of Bermuda's Parliament back then. Besides old forts, it was Bermuda's first building made of stone. Today, it's the oldest building still standing in Bermuda (again, not counting forts). Since 1815, it has been used by a group called the Masons.
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Bermuda's Early Days
Bermuda was first settled by accident in 1609. A ship called the Sea Venture, belonging to the Virginia Company, was on its way to Virginia. A big storm forced it onto the reefs near St. George's Island to stop it from sinking.
About 150 people and one dog survived. They spent nearly a year on St. George's. Most of them then continued their journey to Jamestown, Virginia, using two new ships they built.
Founding St. George's
Bermuda was officially settled in 1612. This happened when the Virginia Company's rules were changed to include Bermuda. Settlers and Governor Richard Moore arrived that year on a ship called Plough. They joined three men who had been left behind in 1610.
After a short time on nearby Smith's Island, the settlers moved to St. George's. There, they started a town called New London, which was soon renamed St. George's.
Birth of Parliament
The Virginia Company set up a government for Bermuda. This government included a Governor and an elected group called the House of Assembly. The House of Assembly held its first meeting in 1620.
Before the State House was built, the House of Assembly met in St. Peter's Church. This church is the oldest Anglican church outside of the British Isles. It was first built in 1612, but storms caused it to be rebuilt several times. The State House was built in 1620 to give the House of Assembly its own special home.
State House Design and Building
The State House was built to look like buildings from Italy. This was because Governor Nathaniel Butler thought Bermuda had a similar climate to Italy. However, Bermuda actually gets a lot more rain than Italy.
A Leaky Roof
The flat roof of the State House caused problems. Water would often collect on it and leak through the stone. For many years, people tried to fix these leaks.
The State House was Bermuda's first stone building, apart from the walls of forts. But later Bermudian buildings did not copy its design. Typical Bermudian homes used stone walls with angled, slanted roofs. These roofs were also made from local limestone.
Smart Water Collection
The angled roofs were very clever. They were used to collect rainwater. The rain would flow into gutters and then into tanks or cisterns. This way, people could store water for drinking and other uses.
From Parliament to Masons
The State House was home to Bermuda's Parliament from 1620 until 1815. In 1815, the capital city moved to Hamilton.
The Peppercorn Ceremony
Since 1815, the State House has been rented to a Masonic group called Lodge St. George No. 200 G.R.S. The rent they pay to the government is very small: just one peppercorn each year.
Paying this peppercorn has become a special event. It's an elaborate ceremony that includes the Governor and the military.
Featured on a Map
The State House was one of the important places shown on a map of Bermuda. This map was published in 1624 by Captain John Smith. It was part of his book, The Generall Historie of Virginia, New-England, and the Summer Isles.
Images for kids
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View of the State House from the bottom of King's street
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375 Anniversary Plaque of Bermuda Parliament, placed at State House in 1995
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Plaque on the wall of the State House
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Plaque of the Masonic Lodge which has been housed in the State House since 1815
