The Islander - Thursday 9th July 1998

THE END OF THE ROAD FOR GOVERNOR'S LODGE

Last Wednesday at Cross Hill marked the destruction of the old Governor's Lodge overlooking Georgetown.

The fire was lit by Corbett Williams and Wilson Scipio and a mere 10 minutes later; the dry rotten structure of the building soon turns into a raging inferno (Below). Two hours later; the old water-tank and the brick structure on the North East side of the building are all that remains of what once stood there ....................................................... Steve Fowler

This house was built in the late 1820's as a home for the Island Commandants. The building was also known as Bates Cottage, so it is probable that William Bates was the first occupant. This spacious building had excellent views of the Garrison, and of the mountain settlement. A bridleway led directly from the cottage to the mountain road. The cottage was described by Captain Burnett in 1958 as being very comfortable, with a drawing room, a dining room, two bedrooms a verandah and a cellar. A separate building nearby housed the kitchen, servants quarters, and a small water-tank. Just below the cottage were stables for the "Captain's mule, cow and pig". The Commandant had a personal staff of a housekeeper, a cook, a handyman and a groom. With the withdrawal of The Navy, the cottage was kept as a residence for The Governor, to be used during his official visits.

With the outbreak of WWII, the cottage was used to house the Royal Artillery detachment that manned the Hood's guns on Fort Bedford. Following the arrival of American Forces, the manning of this fort and a third coastal gun was undertaken by them, and the Royal Artillery withdrew. During the war a telephone exchange was built under the cottage.

After the war, the cottage was not restored, and was derelict for many years. It became the Island Club, and was the venue for many happy social events. The building became the Headquarters of the 1st Ascension Scout Troop in 1987 .......................... Graham Avis