A Journey Through Time: The Enchanting Bermuda History Tour

As a former professor of European history, I have always been captivated by the stories of early settlers and the architectural marvels they left behind. My recent journey to Bermuda, specifically Sandys Parish, offered a unique opportunity to delve into the island’s rich history through the Bermuda History Tour. This tour, led by the charismatic Juanita Jones, was an experience that seamlessly blended historical exploration with personal storytelling.

The Allure of St. George

Our adventure began with a scenic drive to St. George, a town that seemed to whisper tales of the past with every cobblestone street and weathered building. Juanita, our guide, was a veritable fountain of knowledge, sharing insights about the Royal Naval Dockyard and the Somerset Bridge, the smallest drawbridge in the world. Her passion for Bermuda was infectious, and her stories brought the island’s history to life in a way that resonated with my own love for historical narratives.

Upon arriving in St. George, we visited the Carter House, a 17th-century farmhouse that stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Bermuda’s early settlers. The house, built by the descendants of Christopher Carter, one of the island’s original settlers, offered a glimpse into the daily lives of those who first called Bermuda home. As I wandered through the rooms, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the medieval structures I had studied in Europe, each telling its own story of survival and adaptation.

Immersed in History at St. Peter’s Church

Our next stop was St. Peter’s Church, the oldest surviving Anglican Church in continuous use outside of the British Isles. The church’s simple yet elegant architecture was a stark reminder of the island’s colonial past. Juanita’s narrative here was particularly poignant as she recounted the stories of the enslaved and free blacks buried in the church’s graveyard, a somber yet essential part of Bermuda’s history.

The St. George’s Historical Society Museum further enriched our understanding of Bermudian life in the 1700s. The museum’s exhibits, ranging from antique English mahogany to Bermuda cedar artifacts, painted a vivid picture of the island’s cultural evolution. As someone who has spent years studying European history, I found the parallels and divergences between Bermuda’s and Europe’s historical trajectories fascinating.

A Taste of Bermuda and a Fond Farewell

After a morning steeped in history, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the White Horse Pub & Restaurant. Here, I indulged in a Bermuda Fish Sandwich, a delightful concoction of local fish on raisin bread with tartar sauce, perfectly complemented by a Dark & Stormy, one of Bermuda’s national drinks. This break allowed us to reflect on the morning’s discoveries and prepare for the afternoon’s adventures.

The tour concluded with a drive back to the Royal Naval Dockyard, where Juanita continued to share her wealth of knowledge about Bermuda’s history and culture. As we passed the Warwick Academy, the longest continually functioning private school in the Western Hemisphere, I was reminded of the enduring legacy of education and its role in shaping societies.

In the end, the Bermuda History Tour was more than just a journey through time; it was an exploration of the human spirit and its capacity for resilience and adaptation. Juanita’s passion and expertise made this tour an unforgettable experience, one that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Bermuda. Her ability to weave historical facts with personal anecdotes created a tapestry of stories that will linger in my memory for years to come.