Brades history

The history of Brades is unique and inextricably linked to a natural catastrophe that changed the destiny of the island of Montserrat. Unlike cities founded centuries ago, Brades became the de facto capital only at the end of the 20th century. This occurred after the eruptions of the Soufrière Hills volcano, which began in 1995, rendered the southern part of the island uninhabitable. The culmination was the destruction and burial under a layer of ash of the former capital — the city of Plymouth in 1997.

A key factor in the rise of Brades as the island's new hub was its geography. Located in the safe northern part of Montserrat, it was chosen to house government institutions that were evacuated from Plymouth. In 1998, Brades officially received the status of temporary administrative centre, which it retains to this day. Thus, its rise was dictated not by trade routes or political intrigues, but by the urgent necessity of survival and the continued functioning of the island nation.

Since the transfer of the capital, Brades has rapidly transformed into the administrative and commercial node of Montserrat. Government buildings were constructed here, and bank offices and shops opened, forming the new economic and social life of the island. An early cultural feature of the town is that it became a symbol of the nation's resilience and rebirth. Today's Brades is not just a settlement, but a living testament to the modern history of Montserrat and the ability of its residents to adapt and build a future in the face of natural challenges.

Key Dates in the History of Brades

The history of Brades is, in essence, the modern history of Montserrat. The town became the administrative centre by necessity, following the catastrophic volcanic eruption that destroyed the former capital. The main milestones of its establishment are connected to this event.

• July 18, 1995 — The beginning of the Soufrière Hills volcano eruption after centuries of dormancy, which became the starting point for radical changes on the island.
• August 1995 — The first major evacuation of residents from the southern districts of the island, including the capital Plymouth, was conducted due to increasing volcanic activity.
• June 25, 1997 — A powerful eruption occurred, resulting in pyroclastic flows destroying the southern part of the island, including the airport, and leading to loss of life.
• August 1997 — A series of subsequent eruptions almost completely buried the city of Plymouth under layers of ash and mud, rendering it uninhabitable.
• 1998 — The Government of Montserrat officially moved its institutions to Brades, located in the safe northern part of the island, and the settlement became the de facto new capital.
• Late 1990s – Early 2000s — Construction of new infrastructure began in Brades and its surroundings: government buildings, bank offices, shops, and housing for displaced persons from the south.
• 2008 — A new strong eruption of the Soufrière Hills volcano confirmed the correctness of the decision to move the capital and reinforced the status of the southern part of the island as an exclusion zone.
• Present Day — Brades continues to perform the functions of the administrative and commercial centre of Montserrat, serving as a symbol of the nation's resilience and revival after the natural disaster.

Major Development Milestones of Brades

The development of Brades is a unique case in modern urban planning history, where a small village turned into the administrative and economic centre of a nation in the shortest possible time. This process was dictated not by planned growth, but by emergency necessity following a natural disaster.

• 1998 — Assignment of Temporary Capital Status: After the destruction of Plymouth due to the volcanic eruption, government institutions were officially transferred to Brades. This became the starting point for all subsequent transformations, turning it from an agrarian settlement into an administrative centre.
• Late 1990s – Early 2000s — Formation of the Government Quarter: Active construction and adaptation of existing buildings began to house ministries, departments, and other state services. This laid the foundation for the new urban structure and economy.
• Development of Commercial Infrastructure: With the influx of population and the emergence of administrative functions, banks (including a branch of the Royal Bank of Canada and the Bank of Montserrat), supermarkets, a post office, and other enterprises ensuring the island's vitality opened in Brades.
• July 11, 2005 — Opening of John A. Osborne Airport: The commissioning of a new airport in the immediate vicinity of Brades restored air links with the outside world, which had been interrupted since 1997. This was a crucial step for the economy, tourism, and logistics of the entire island.
• Formation of a New Cultural Centre: Gradually, cultural and public events, including festival celebrations, began to revive in Brades and its surroundings, contributing to the cohesion of the community that survived displacement and the formation of a new identity.
• 2012 — Approval of the New Capital Construction Plan: The government approved a project to build a permanent capital and a modern port in the neighbouring Little Bay area. This decision defined the future development of the region and confirmed the temporary status of Brades, while simultaneously giving impetus to large-scale infrastructure projects.
• 2019–2022 — Start of Port Construction in Little Bay: The active phase of constructing the new port marked the transition from planning to the implementation of a long-term development strategy for northern Montserrat, which directly affects economic activity and logistics in Brades.

The Architectural Appearance of Brades: Modernity Dictated by Necessity

Unlike cities with centuries of history, the architectural landscape of Brades is not a palette of shifting eras such as Gothic, Renaissance, or Baroque. Its urban development is a unique example of modern construction driven by emergency necessity. The town only began to be actively built up in the late 1990s, after volcanic activity destroyed the former capital, Plymouth, and Brades took on capital functions.

Dominant Style: Functionalism and Safety

The architecture of Brades is predominantly utilitarian and modern in character. Since the main task was the rapid erection of functional buildings for the government and the population, the emphasis was placed on practicality, seismic resistance, and speed of construction rather than decorative refinements. Most buildings are simple and sturdy structures made of concrete and steel, designed taking into account the climatic features of the Caribbean.

Urban Development: From Village to Administrative Centre

The urban structure of Brades was formed not as a result of long-term planning, but through the rapid expansion of a small village. The town centre represents a compact cluster of key administrative, commercial, and residential buildings. Its appearance is a reflection of its status as one of the smallest capitals in the world, where capital functions are performed, in essence, by a large settlement.

Landmark Buildings Shaping the City's Look

The architectural appearance of Brades is defined not by historical monuments, but by modern functional structures built after 1998. The key objects forming its centre are:

• Government Complex: Several buildings housing the main ministries and departments of Montserrat.
• Financial Institutions: Offices of the Bank of Montserrat and the Royal Bank of Canada.
• Commercial Infrastructure: The main post office, supermarkets, and other service buildings catering to the population of the northern part of the island.
• John A. Osborne Airport: Although located slightly away from Brades itself, this modern facility, opened in 2005, is a vital part of the infrastructure connected to the new capital.

The current architectural look of Brades is largely temporary, as the government is implementing a long-term plan to build a new, specially designed capital in the Little Bay area.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Brades and Montserrat

Since Brades became the capital of Montserrat quite recently, the history of the town is inextricably linked with outstanding figures of the entire island. Below are key figures whose lives and work have had a significant impact on the culture, politics, and history of Montserrat.

Alphonsus "Arrow" Cassell

Musician, King of Soca Music. The most famous native of Montserrat, who gained world fame thanks to his hit "Hot Hot Hot". "Arrow" became a cultural ambassador for the island and one of the most influential musicians in the Soca genre. His work remains a symbol of Caribbean celebration and vitality.

Sir George Martin

Music Producer. The legendary producer of The Beatles, who built the famous AIR Studios recording studio on Montserrat in 1979. Although he was not a native of the island, his studio attracted global stars (The Police, Elton John, Dire Straits, The Rolling Stones), turning Montserrat into a hub of the music industry and bringing it international fame in the pre-volcanic era.

Maizie Williams

Singer, Model. A native of Montserrat and one of the original members of the world-famous disco group Boney M. Her success as part of the collective, which sold millions of records worldwide, made her one of the most famous personalities associated with the island.

William Henry Bramble

Politician, First Chief Minister. Considered the "Father of the Nation" and a national hero of Montserrat. He was a key figure in the political life of the island in the mid-20th century, leading the movement for workers' rights and becoming the first Chief Minister in 1960. His activities laid the foundations for modern self-governance and the economic development of Montserrat.

John Osborne

Politician, Chief Minister. He held the post of Chief Minister of Montserrat for a long time, including during its heyday before the volcanic eruption. It was during his administration that the island's economy flourished, partly thanks to projects such as AIR Studios. He was the longest-serving politician in the country's history, leading the island both before and after the volcanic catastrophe.

Reuben Meade

Politician, Premier. A key political figure of the post-volcanic era. He repeatedly led the government and guided the country during the difficult period of recovery and restructuring after the disaster, including during the establishment of Brades as the new capital. He was the last to hold the position of Chief Minister and the first to become the Premier of Montserrat.