Grand Cayman Attractions
Description
Venue: Pedro St James "Castle" When: Daily
The Cayman Islands' flagship tourist attraction of recent years, the Pedro St James "Castle" in Savannah is a restored and reconstructed 19th-century plantation house. Touted as the "birthplace of democracy" on account of a meeting that took place there between residents in 1831 where the operation of local laws was discussed, it is the main focus of historic interest on the islands.
The house's history is complicated and somewhat mysterious, partly because one of its 20th-century owners, Tom Bubell, was at pains to fabricate a pirate history for it, faking a date and castellations to pretend it was once a castle. The truth is a little more mundane - the first stone foundations date back to only the 18th century, with a fully-recorded premises not in working order until the early 19th.
Nevertheless, with careful reconstruction, a very lifelike plantation house of the 1820s-1840s has been built, with original features and materials. On the ground floor is a jail, kitchen and storerooms, with the smart dining room, court room and verandah on the first, and living quarters at the top.
The visitors' centre is perhaps the highlight of a visit to St James', a full five buildings of exhibits, information and purchase opportunities. Most interesting is the multimedia video presentation that guides you through 200 years of Cayman Island history in 20 minutes.
The Cayman Islands' flagship tourist attraction of recent years, the Pedro St James "Castle" in Savannah is a restored and reconstructed 19th-century plantation house. Touted as the "birthplace of democracy" on account of a meeting that took place there between residents in 1831 where the operation of local laws was discussed, it is the main focus of historic interest on the islands.
The house's history is complicated and somewhat mysterious, partly because one of its 20th-century owners, Tom Bubell, was at pains to fabricate a pirate history for it, faking a date and castellations to pretend it was once a castle. The truth is a little more mundane - the first stone foundations date back to only the 18th century, with a fully-recorded premises not in working order until the early 19th.
Nevertheless, with careful reconstruction, a very lifelike plantation house of the 1820s-1840s has been built, with original features and materials. On the ground floor is a jail, kitchen and storerooms, with the smart dining room, court room and verandah on the first, and living quarters at the top.
The visitors' centre is perhaps the highlight of a visit to St James', a full five buildings of exhibits, information and purchase opportunities. Most interesting is the multimedia video presentation that guides you through 200 years of Cayman Island history in 20 minutes.
Grand Cayman Information
Cayman Islands Department of Tourism
Address: The Pavilion, Cricket Square, PO Box 67, George Town, Grand Cayman, British West Indies
Phone: +1 345 949 0623 (+44 (0) 20 7491 7771 in London)
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Looking for things to do around Grand Cayman? Here are some of the events and attractions happening in the area.
| Batabano Carnival |
May 2009 (annual) George Town |
| Pirates Week Festival |
Nov 2008 (annual) George Town |
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