The Old State House

(formerly The Sessions House)


   

A building was erected on this site in 1612.  It served as a headquarters, which was first of all a fort, as well as serving other purposes.   It was later chosen as a site for the Governor who decided to redesign it.  The Sessions House was built for Governor Nathanial Butler in 1620, in what he termed, the "Italianate" style. The first flat roof leaked badly, and it was not until 1622, that a sloping roof from which the rain water could be drained into a holding cistern, was finally installed. The original building blocks were of Bermuda limestone, with a mortar of lime and turtle oil. The building comprised two storeys, a Council Chamber and Law Court on the Ground floor, and storage for gunpowder above. In 1629 the "new" roof was damaged in a hurricane, and the Elected Assembly refused to set aside funds to maintain the premises unless they were allowed to meet there. Thus, the State House housed the Govenor's Council, The Law Courts and The House of Parliament for Bermuda.

In 1733 a reception room was added to the front, replacing the "Welcoming Arms" steps; the gunpowder was removed to another site, and the ceiling was raised, effectively making it a single storey; the windows and door were enlarged to admit more light and air; and a three-seater privy installed on the outside. When the capital was transferred to the Town of Hamilton in 1815, an arrangement was reached between the Government and the Freemasons of Lodge St. George, whereby the Freemasons agreed to use and maintain the premises in exchange for the nominal rental of one peppercorn (if demanded).

At the request of the Bermuda Government, the front of the building was restored to its original design, and the flat roof replaced, this time with poured and reinforced concrete. The "restored" building was officially opened by His Royal Highness, Charles, Prince of Wales, in 1970. The building is open to the public on Wednesdays (May 1st through November 30th) from 10:00am to 2:00pm by courtesy of Lodge St. George, No. 200, on the role of the Grand Lodge of Scotland of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons. 


PLEASE NOTE:    Visits by special groups, 
                (Scouts, Schools, Societies, Lodges etc.,)
                can be made by special arrangement.  
     
                Please contact:
                Rt. Wor. Bro. Leslie T. Center HJGW
                6 Fort George Hill 
                St. George's  GE02
                Bermuda
                Tel: (441) 296-8766  Email:

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