Bermuda St. Georges World Heritage


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St. George's World Heritage

St. Georges World Heritage Site

For their “outstanding universal value”, St. George’s and related fortifications were designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, on November 30, 2000. St. George’s is the oldest continuously inhabited town of English origin in the New World, and has retained its charm and character into the 21st Century. 400 years of history can be found in the buildings architecture and military fortifications. Reenactments of the dunking stool and take place during the warmer months.

The mission of The St. George's Foundation is to invest in the Town's future by providing cultural, educational and recreational experiences that will benefit both residents and visitors now and for generations to come. We will work to support and revitalise the local economy by creating new opportunities for business, and to develop Historic St. George's as a world tourism destination by creating a first-class Heritage Centre with a full range of related activities, from walking tours and educational programmes to lively historical reenactments and open-air concerts in the Square.


Forts of St. George's
	The Spanish, Juan de Bermudez, actually discovered Bermuda in the early 1500’s; however, only used it as a navigational marking. The English Sea Venture shipwrecked in 1609 and led to the English colonization. This added to the Spanish threat to St. George’s, hence forts were built. Threats from the French and the newly independent United States of America in the 18th century, led to further fort construction. This map shows forts in the St. George’s Heritage site (Alexandra Battery, Gate's Fort, Fort Albert, Fort St. Catherine, Fort Victoria, Western Redoubt, Fort St. George, Peniston's Redoubt, Fort Cunnigham, Paget Fort, Fort Popple, St. David's Battery, Smith's Fort, Martello Tower, Burnt Point Fort, Ferry Island Fort, Coney Island Kiln and more. For more information on the specific forts go to Forts or go to the Bermuda World Heritage web site.


St. George's World Heritage Site
	The World Heritage Centre explains why St. George's and the surrounding forifications are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step back in time and enjoy the fun and educational orientation exhibits Gallery: St. George's A Gateway to Bermuda. View our film "A Stroll Through St. George's" and discover the beauty and historical importance of the Old Town. Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am-4pm. Located at Penno's Wharf in St. George's; 297-5791.

A Welcoming Sight ~ The Town Crier

The town crier welcomes the arrival of the cruise ships to the town of St. George's as well as opening events and activities of the historic town.

A town crier of old was employed by a town council to make public announcements in the streets. The crier can also be used in court or official announcements. Nowadays criers usually dress elaborately—by tradition only dating to the 18th century, in a red or blue and gold robe, white breeches, black boots and a tricorne hat—but dress has changed through the centuries. They carry a hand bell to attract people's attention, as they shout the words "Oyez, Oyez!" before making their announcements. The word "Oyez" means "hear ye," which is a call for silence and attention. Oyez derives from the Anglo-Norman word for listen. The proclamations book in Chester from the early 19th century records this as O Yes, O Yes!

Bermuda's own, Major D.H. "Bob" Burns, MC, from St. George'sis , the Guinness World Record holder for the loudest human speaking voice.