Government House (Saint Kitts and Nevis)

For other uses, see King's House.
For other uses, see Government House.
Government House
Alternative names Springfield House
General information
Type Official residence
Location Basseterre, Saint Kitts
Country Saint Kitts and Nevis
Current tenants Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis
Construction started 1833
Completed 1834
Owner Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis
Technical details
Floor count 3
Website
Official site

Government House, also known as Springfield House, is the official residence of the Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis, current Sir Tapley Seaton.

History

In 1837, Sir Henry Blake sold the twenty-five acre lot to Thomas Harper who renamed it Springfield and built a house on it. Because the latter ran into debt, the property passed into the hands of Robert Sharry Harper trustee under the marriage settlement of Mary Sharry Harper née Amory. 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 Francis Robert Brathwaite, the first Archdeacon, bought Springfield from the Harpers in September 1848.[1] 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, Privy 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.

In 1946, after much repair, Sir Frederick Albert Phillip, the then Governor moved into the Springfield House.

Today, the Springfield House commonly known as the Government House of St. Kitts & Nevis is the Official Residence of the Governor General of The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Government House". Basseterre Past & Present. St Kitts National Archives. Retrieved 2012-12-28.

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