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Landmarks..| Urban Architecture

The Blake family built this property around the time of Emancipation (1834) and soon after sold it to Thomas Harper, a planter-merchant and Vestryman. Harper named the property Springfield. When the Archdeaconry of St Kitts was created as a consequence of the establishment of the Diocese of Antigua in 1842 it was felt that the rector of St George should be accommodated in a style more suitable for his new position of Archdeacon. In keeping with this ambition the venerable Francis Robert Brathwaite, the first Archdeacon, bought Springfield from the Harpers around 1848. In 1855 Springfield house was conveyed in trust among other things for such public uses and purposes as from time to time should by the Governor, Council and Assembly be declared and appointed. After repairs it was appointed as residence for then Rector the Venerable Archdeacon Jermyn in 1856. The property served as the residence of successive Rectors until disestablishment in 1874.

Today Springfield House serves as the official residence of the Governor General of The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

 

Lady Haynes-Smith laid the foundation stone for the Treasury Building in 1894. The building, "a two-story stone structure . is stylistically Georgian Architecture, adapted to the Caribbean, and axially related to Fort Street and the former Treasury Pier, which was the historic gateway to the island by way of the central arch." (St. Christopher Heritage Society, 2000 p.2).

After Emancipation and Apprenticeship in 1838 importing indentured labour from Madeira, Portugal primarily solved the labour shortage in St. Kitts. Planters at that time had to deposit in the Treasury an amount to cover the cost of a return fare for each labourer they imported. Many Portuguese did not return to their homeland after their indentureship was up. In the 1890's when it was obvious that there was a need for a new Treasury the planters donated the unused passage monies to government for the building of the new Treasury. A contracting firm from Barbados constructed the building using local stone.

On completion of the building several government departments, including the Administrator's Office were moved from the Court House to the Treasury Building. Over the years many government offices including the Treasury, Audit, Supply, Customs, Inspector of Public Health Tourist Bureau and the Post Office have been housed in the Treasury Building. The building was vacated in 1996. The St. Christopher Heritage Society currently occupies part of the ground floor while the building is being restored for use as a National Museum.

 

This structure remains one of the more outstanding examples of 18th Century urban architecture on St. Kitts. It is located on South Square Street, South of Independence Square, and along with other buildings surrounding the Square is thought to have at one time stored slaves in its cellars purchased at the nearby slave market for transfer to the Plantations.

This most English of town houses was built sometime after 1790. By 1836 it was owned by James Berridge. He was a leading merchant who owned several vessels that traded amongst the islands and as far as Halifax and Bermuda, and in times of peace, even with America. Berridge came to St. Kitts in 1794 at the age of 20 "with no resources but his own abilities". By 1812 he was not only a thriving merchant, but also Treasurer of the Island, Lieutenant Colonel of the Windward Regiment of Foot and Aide de Camp to the Governor.

In the early 20th century, the house was home to the prominent businessman Burchell Marshall and his family. It was later used by the St. Christopher Club, often referred to as the Gentlemen's Club. Today the Georgian House is owned by an expatriate and is rented out for use as an elegant restaurant.

 
Information compiled by the St.Christopher Heritage Society. For information on many more Historical Sites, you may visit them at www.stkittsheritage.org or give them a call at tel: 869-465-5584

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