
Queen's Royal College, Port of Spain
Queen's Royal College (QRC), often called "The College" by its alumni, is one of Trinidad and Tobago's most prestigious secondary schools. Located in Saint Clair, Port of Spain, this institution is celebrated for its German Renaissance architecture, rigorous academics, and a legacy of notable alumni in sports, politics, and science both locally and internationally.
QRC originated from the Stuart Grammar School in Port of Spain. In 1859, its principal, Edward Stuart, helped establish the Queen's Collegiate School, which opened near Lord Harris Square. Renamed Queen's Royal College in 1870, it moved to the Prince's Building and maintained a secular ethos to offer superior education to all races and religions.
In 1899, land in Saint Clair was allocated for QRC, and its main building's foundation stone was laid on November 11, 1902, by acting Governor Courtney Knollys. Designed by alumnus Daniel M. Hahn, who also designed the Red House, the building cost £15,000 (about £1.8 million today).
The main building, part of the Magnificent Seven, is a hallmark of German Renaissance architecture, notable for its imposing, solid appearance. Initially designed to house six classes of 30 boys each, it also features a lecture hall capable of accommodating over 500 people. Additional North and South blocks, built in the late 1930s, expanded the campus.
The college boasts its own pavilion and canteen, adjacent to its multi-purpose field used year-round for various sports. The field reflects the school’s emphasis on athletics, complementing its academic tradition.
Today, QRC remains a symbol of excellence in education and a pillar of Trinidad and Tobago’s heritage. Its dedication to fostering well-rounded individuals continues to shape the nation's future leaders.
QRC originated from the Stuart Grammar School in Port of Spain. In 1859, its principal, Edward Stuart, helped establish the Queen's Collegiate School, which opened near Lord Harris Square. Renamed Queen's Royal College in 1870, it moved to the Prince's Building and maintained a secular ethos to offer superior education to all races and religions.
In 1899, land in Saint Clair was allocated for QRC, and its main building's foundation stone was laid on November 11, 1902, by acting Governor Courtney Knollys. Designed by alumnus Daniel M. Hahn, who also designed the Red House, the building cost £15,000 (about £1.8 million today).
The main building, part of the Magnificent Seven, is a hallmark of German Renaissance architecture, notable for its imposing, solid appearance. Initially designed to house six classes of 30 boys each, it also features a lecture hall capable of accommodating over 500 people. Additional North and South blocks, built in the late 1930s, expanded the campus.
The college boasts its own pavilion and canteen, adjacent to its multi-purpose field used year-round for various sports. The field reflects the school’s emphasis on athletics, complementing its academic tradition.
Today, QRC remains a symbol of excellence in education and a pillar of Trinidad and Tobago’s heritage. Its dedication to fostering well-rounded individuals continues to shape the nation's future leaders.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Port of Spain. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Queen's Royal College on Map






Sight Name: Queen's Royal College
Sight Location: Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (See walking tours in Port of Spain)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (See walking tours in Port of Spain)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Create Your Own Walk in Port of Spain
Creating your own self-guided walk in Port of Spain is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Port of Spain Introduction Walk
Port of Spain was once the site of a fishing village of Amerindian people. It was called "Place of the silk cotton trees." By 1560, a Spanish garrison was stationed in the area. By 1757, the village had changed to the capital of the Port of Spain.
The last Spanish governor of Trinidad, Don Jose Chacon, opened the colony to French Catholic immigrants. The population grew and the town... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
The last Spanish governor of Trinidad, Don Jose Chacon, opened the colony to French Catholic immigrants. The population grew and the town... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Historic Buildings Walking Tour
A group of mansions in northern Port of Spain, located on Maraval Road, to the west of the Queen's Park Savannah, is known colloquially as “The Magnificent Seven”. They were built between 1902 and 1910 on the land that was previously used as a government stock farm. Together with the nearby President's House, the official residence of the President of Trinidad and Tobago, which is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles