Since it was built in 1744, Her Majesty’s Prison in Road Town has housed plenty of prisoners, but it also has served other purposes, including a police station, an immigration and customs centre, and a fire station.
Officials hope that beginning in March, the former prison will take on a new role as an attraction for tourists visiting the territory.
“There will be guided and self-led tours, a gift shop and a café,” said City Manager Janis Braithwaite-Edwards after government officials toured the prison last week with project manager Hugh Whistler.
Planned exhibit topics include local trees, military history, and the territory’s most infamous plantation owner, Arthur Hodge,Ms. Braithwaite-Edwards said. The trial of Mr. Hodge, who was executed at the site after being convicted of murdering one of his slaves in 1811, helped draw international attention to the horrors of slavery.
Communications and Works Minister Mark Vanterpool said after the tour that the prison holds many lessons for modern residents.
“The old prison has such a rich history as it was constructed in 1774, and this history should be told to our current and future generations,” Mr. Vanterpool said in a government press release. “The Prison Museum will feature historic displays of the prison services, administration and other aspects of the building’s historical uses.”
See the Jan. 22, 2015 edition for full coverage.
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