Gordon House, Kingston

Gordon House, located on Duke Street in Kingston, stands as the official meeting place of Jamaica’s Parliament. Named in honor of National Hero George William Gordon (1820–1865), this modern, two-story building symbolizes Jamaica’s long journey toward self-governance and social justice. Gordon, the son of a Scottish planter and an enslaved woman, was a preacher, politician, evangelist, and outspoken defender of black rights in post-emancipation Jamaica. As an elected member of the House of Assembly in the 1850s, he became a passionate advocate for the rights of the newly freed black peasant class, who remained socially and economically marginalized long after slavery’s abolition in 1838.

Built before the 1960s, Gordon House became the official seat of the Jamaican legislature on October 26, 1960, replacing Headquarters House, which had served the same purpose since 1872. The building is characterized by a contemporary ‘L’-shaped layout, featuring a symmetrical front façade and a hidden central courtyard used for parking. Since Jamaica’s independence on August 6, 1962, both the Senate and the House of Representatives have convened here.

George William Gordon’s legacy-marked by his commitment to justice, his tragic execution following the Morant Bay Rebellion, and his steadfast support of the disenfranchised-is embedded in the mission of the institution that now bears his name. Visits to Gordon House can be arranged by appointment or when parliamentary sessions are not in progress.