The historic town of St George was one of the very first colonial outposts of the British empire in the Western Hemisphere. It was the site of the “discovery” of Bermuda by the British, and subsequently a military and trading base for centuries. In 2000 the town and its surrounding forts received full recognition from UNESCO as a world heritage site and rightly so.

St George’s is the oldest continually-inhabited town of English origin in the New World. With buildings still surviving from its official founding in 1612 it provides a fascinating history of British colonial and Bermudian architecture and life. The related forts that are dotted around the island are themselves part of the world heritage designation for being of great historical and military importance, they provide a guide in microcosm to the way the British defended their empire.

The best way to learn about the town these days is via a guided walking tour. Every winding lane or narrow street is filled with charm and something to learn about, but there are plenty of special buildings as well. Highlights include the Bermuda National Trust Museum on Duke of York Street, the Bermudian Heritage Museum and the Bridge House (a private house converted into a gallery). Please contact the St George’s Foundation, which looks after the site, for information on guided walking tours and anything else you need to know about, or get a good guide book and make your own way.

World Heritage Site of St George, Bermuda

The historic town of St George was one of the very first colonial outposts of the British empire in the Western Hemisphere. It was the site of the “discovery” of Bermuda by the British, and subsequently a military and trading base for centuries. In 2000 the town and its surrounding forts received full recognition from UNESCO as a world heritage site, giving it historical significance on a par with the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China.

St George’s is the oldest continually-inhabited town of English origin in the New World. With buildings still surviving from its official founding in 1612 it provides a fascinating history of British colonial and Bermudian architecture and life. The related forts that are dotted around the island are themselves part of the world heritage designation for being of great historical and military importance: they provide a guide in microcosm to the way the British defended their empire.

The best way to learn about the town these days is via a guided walking tour. Every winding lane or narrow street is filled with charm and something to learn about, but there are plenty of special buildings as well. Highlights include the Bermuda National Trust Museum on Duke of York Street, the Bermudian Heritage Museum and the Bridge House (a private house converted into a gallery). Please contact the St George’s Foundation, which looks after the site, for information on guided walking tours and anything else you need to know about, or get a good guide book and make your own way.

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