Government House, St. John`s

Government House stands as a cherished symbol of the nation's democratic journey, tracing its roots from the era of slavery to full emancipation in 1834 and ultimately achieving confident independence in 1981.

Established in a Parsonage dating back to the 1700s, Government House has served as the official residence of the islands' Governor General since 1800. The present-day Government House, dating from the early nineteenth century, continues to hold the distinction of being the official residence of the Governor General, representing Queen Elizabeth II as the Head of State.

The main building, characterized by traditional West Indian construction, exudes historical charm and significance. Surrounding the central structure are a series of historic outbuildings, each with its unique purpose, including carriage houses, stables, laundry buildings, kitchens, servants' quarters, cisterns, limestone filters, and gardens. The ensemble is enclosed by a masonry perimeter wall, adding to the architectural and historical richness of the site.

Having withstood the ravages of fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and termites over the years, Government House in St. John's is an extraordinary survivor of shared heritage. It holds a prominent place among the most important historic buildings on the island and in the wider Caribbean region. Threatened with demolition at one point, the intervention of the Governor-General, Sir Rodney Williams, played a decisive role in preserving this iconic structure for future generations.