Pedro St. James Castle
Encyclopedia
Pedro St. James Castle, Pedro St. James, or Pedro's Castle is the oldest existing structure in the Cayman Islands
. Located on the southern coast of Grand Cayman
Island, the manor house was constructed in 1780 as the home of plantation owner William Eden. In 1831, it served as a rendezvous point for the first elected parliament in the Cayman Islands; the location has since been known as the birthplace of democracy
in the Caymans. During this meeting, the decision was made amongst the island's leading citizens to vote for elected representatives. Four years later, in 1835, the Slavery Abolition Act
was read from the stone archway of the building.
By the 1970s, The building was reduced to ruin after decades of neglect. In 1996, a restoration totalling over $6 million transformed the then-abandoned waterfront building.. The two story building and its verandas were rebuilt and reconstructed in the original 18th century style.
Currently, a 7th Great-Grandson of William Eden serves as one of the tour guides at the historical site.
The landmark contains a visitors centre, theatre, exhibits, a gift shop, and cafe.
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory and overseas territory of the European Union located in the western Caribbean Sea. The territory comprises the three islands of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, located south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica...
. Located on the southern coast of Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Cayman Islands and the location of the nation's capital, George Town. In relation to the other two Cayman Islands, it is approximately 75 miles southwest of Little Cayman and 90 miles southwest of Cayman Brac.-Geography:Grand Cayman encompasses 76% of...
Island, the manor house was constructed in 1780 as the home of plantation owner William Eden. In 1831, it served as a rendezvous point for the first elected parliament in the Cayman Islands; the location has since been known as the birthplace of democracy
Democracy
Democracy is generally defined as a form of government in which all adult citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Ideally, this includes equal participation in the proposal, development and passage of legislation into law...
in the Caymans. During this meeting, the decision was made amongst the island's leading citizens to vote for elected representatives. Four years later, in 1835, the Slavery Abolition Act
Slavery Abolition Act
The Slavery Abolition Act 1833 was an 1833 Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom abolishing slavery throughout the British Empire...
was read from the stone archway of the building.
By the 1970s, The building was reduced to ruin after decades of neglect. In 1996, a restoration totalling over $6 million transformed the then-abandoned waterfront building.. The two story building and its verandas were rebuilt and reconstructed in the original 18th century style.
Currently, a 7th Great-Grandson of William Eden serves as one of the tour guides at the historical site.
The landmark contains a visitors centre, theatre, exhibits, a gift shop, and cafe.