History of Hamilton

The history of Hamilton, the capital of the Bermuda Islands, is relatively short but eventful, determining its status as the political and economic centre of the archipelago.

Foundation and becoming the capital. The city's history began in 1790, when the Government of Bermuda reserved 145 acres (approximately 59 hectares) of land for the construction of a new capital. The city was officially established by an act of parliament in 1793 and named in honour of the then-Governor, Sir Henry Hamilton. A key moment in Hamilton's history was 1815, when the colony's capital was moved here from the town of St. George's. This transfer was driven by Hamilton's strategic location and its more convenient and larger harbour.

Key development factors. Hamilton's rise was predetermined by several important factors:

• Geographical location: Situated in the central part of the main island, the city gained access to one of the archipelago's best natural harbours — the Great Sound, making it an ideal port.
• Trade and Commerce: The convenient port quickly turned Hamilton into Bermuda's main commercial hub. Its harbour became a centre for maritime trade, attracting vessels travelling between Europe and the Americas.
• Political Power: With the transfer of the capital in 1815, Hamilton became the seat of all the islands' governmental and administrative institutions.

Early economic and cultural features. In the 19th century, Hamilton's economy was closely tied to its status as a port. The foundation was shipping, ship repair, and servicing trade routes. The city's architectural appearance began to form under the influence of the British colonial style, which is particularly noticeable in the buildings along the Front Street waterfront. In 1897, following the construction of the Anglican cathedral, Hamilton officially received the status of a city. Gradually, alongside commercial activity, tourism began to develop, laying the foundation for Bermuda's modern economy.

1790 — The Government of Bermuda reserved 145 acres of land for the founding of a new town, named in honour of Governor Sir Henry Hamilton.

1793 — Hamilton was officially established by an act of parliament.

1815 — The capital of the colony was moved from St. George's to Hamilton, driven by its strategic location and convenient harbour.

1834 — Slavery was officially abolished in Bermuda as part of British emancipation, which significantly changed the social and economic structure.

1870 — Construction began on Fort Hamilton, a defensive structure overlooking the harbour.

1886 — The foundation stone was laid for the Neo-Gothic Anglican Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity.

1897 — Hamilton officially received city status following the completion of the main cathedral building.

1905 — Construction of the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity was completed.

1931 — The railway connecting Hamilton with other parts of the Bermuda Islands was opened (it existed until 1948).

1968 — The adoption of a constitution granted Bermuda internal self-government, strengthening Hamilton's role as a political centre.

1970 — The Bermudian dollar was introduced as the new national currency, replacing the Bermuda pound.

Major Development Milestones

The development of Hamilton proceeded through several key stages, each of which radically changed the appearance and role of the city in Bermuda.

• 1815: Moving the capital. This event was a turning point. The administrative centre of the colony moved from St. George's to Hamilton thanks to its deeper and more protected harbour, which gave a powerful impetus to the urbanization of the central part of the archipelago.
• Mid-19th Century: Rise of the trading port. During this period, the famous facade of the city along Front Street was finally formed. The development of transatlantic trade turned the waterfront into the commercial heart of the city, where warehouses and merchant houses defined the architectural style for centuries to come.
• 1897: Granting of City status. In honour of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee and in connection with the consecration of the Anglican cathedral, Hamilton officially received "City" status. This event cemented its cultural and religious dominance on the islands.
• Early 20th Century: Birth of elite tourism. The opening of grand hotels, such as the "Hamilton Princess", marked the transition from a purely trading economy to the hospitality industry. The city began adapting its infrastructure to receive wealthy travellers from North America.
• 1960–1980s: Emergence as a financial centre. The adoption of laws favouring international business turned the city into the world capital of reinsurance. This led to the construction of modern office buildings that changed the city skyline, and an influx of foreign specialists who enriched the cultural environment.
• 21st Century: Waterfront revitalization. The modern stage of development is characterized by large-scale projects to improve the urban environment, create new public spaces by the water, and modernize the port to accommodate cruise liners, all while preserving the historical atmosphere.

The architectural appearance of Hamilton represents a vibrant combination of British colonial heritage and unique local traditions dictated by the climate and resources of Bermuda. The city may not boast Gothic or Renaissance architecture in the European sense, but its style is recognizable and charming.

Colonial and Victorian Periods

Hamilton's urban development began in the late 18th century, but its main architectural character was established in the 19th century. The city's central street, Front Street, is a living illustration of this period. Buildings in the Victorian style, constructed in the mid-to-late 1800s, predominate here. Their main features are bright pastel facades, balconies overhanging the pavements, and verandas on the first floor adorned with elegant wrought-iron railings. These structures reflect the era when Hamilton transformed into a prosperous trading port.

A landmark example of British architectural influence is the Bermuda Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity. Its construction was completed in 1905, and it is executed in the Neo-Gothic style, making it one of the most impressive architectural monuments in the city. Other important buildings, such as the Cabinet Building (1833), also bear the hallmarks of British colonial architecture.

Bermudian Vernacular

The most recognizable feature of architecture in Hamilton and all of Bermuda is the so-called "vernacular style", formed as an adaptation to local conditions. Its key features include:

• White stepped roofs: Made from local limestone, these roofs have a characteristic stepped shape. Their primary function is the collection of rainwater, which is the main source of fresh water on the islands. The white colour helps reflect sunlight and keep the water clean.
• Pastel colours: The walls of buildings, constructed from limestone blocks, are traditionally painted in bright yet gentle colours — pink, blue, yellow, peach. This tradition gives the city its famous cheerful and picturesque look.
• Use of local stone: Soft and porous Bermudian limestone was the primary building material, which determined the texture and appearance of historical buildings.

This practical and aesthetic style permeates the entire city development, from government buildings to private homes and modern hotels, such as the famous Hamilton Princess and Beach Club, which became one of the first symbols of the dawning tourism era in the early 20th century.

Notable Personalities Associated with Hamilton

Hamilton and Bermuda as a whole have given the world several bright and influential personalities whose achievements have left a mark on history, culture, and sports.

• Mary Prince (c. 1788 – after 1833) — Writer and abolitionist. Born into slavery in Bermuda, Mary Prince became the first black woman to publish an autobiography about her life in captivity. Her book, "The History of Mary Prince, a West Indian Slave", published in 1831 in London, became a powerful weapon in the hands of the movement to abolish slavery and had a huge public resonance. Today, she is honoured as a National Hero of Bermuda.
• Sir Henry "Jack" Tucker (1903–1986) — Politician and businessman. Considered one of the architects of Bermuda's modern economy. As the first Government Leader of Bermuda (1968–1971), he played a key role in transforming the islands into a thriving international financial centre.
• Earl Cameron (1917–2020) — Pioneering actor. A native of Bermuda, Cameron became one of the first black actors to achieve star status in British cinema. His role in the film "Pool of London" (1951) is considered a breakthrough, as it featured an interracial romance for the first time in British film. He also appeared in Bond films, such as "Thunderball" (1965). A theatre in the Hamilton City Hall building is named in his honour.
• Diana Douglas (1923–2015) — Actress. Born Diana Dill in Bermuda, she built a successful career in Hollywood, appearing in dozens of films and television series. She was the first wife of legendary actor Kirk Douglas and the mother of the equally famous Michael Douglas.
• Clyde Best (born 1951) — Footballer. One of the first black players in the top division of English football, becoming a legend of West Ham United in the 1970s. Overcoming racism in the stands, he became a fan idol and paved the way for future generations of black athletes in British sports.
• Heather Nova (born 1967) — Singer, songwriter, and poet. A native of Bermuda, Heather Nova (real name — Heather Allison Frith) gained international recognition in the 1990s thanks to her unique style in the alternative rock genre. She has sold over 2 million albums and is known for her poetic lyrics, which often reflect her island childhood.