Lane School set to become permanently listed building
By Ruth O'Kelly-Lynch
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Historic site: The derelict Moonray Manor, located off of East Broadway, was once Lane School - the first school for black children on the Island after emancipation in 1834.
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Government announced the Lane School could become a permanently listed historical building.
The Lane School, on East Broadway, was the first school for black children on the Island after emancipation in 1834. It was one of seven schools the Anglican Church helped build in partnership with the Young Men's Friendly Societies on the Island.
Furthermore in 1848 the building was the meeting place of the Young Men's Friendly Institution. This early Black lodge had previously been instrumental in lobbying the Governor to free the slaves of the US Brigantine "Enterprise" in 1835 after it had put ashore in Bermuda during a storm.
Yesterday, Minister Glenn Blakeney said it has been provisionally listed as a building of special historic and architectural interest.
Minister Blakeney said: "The public has been very clear in their desire to see this historically important building protected as an important part of our cultural heritage, and I certainly concur. This building represents an important part of our history and we cannot allow such significant architectural and cultural landmarks to be lost for this and future generations."
This is the first building added to the Minister's list of buildings of special architectural and historic importance since August 2002.
The Minister consulted the Historic Buildings Advisory Committee (HBAC) and after conducting an evaluation of the property they recommended that 'Moonray Manor' be included as a Grade 3 Listed Building, based on its historic and architectural importance.
The Royal Gazette has been calling on members of the public to show their support for saving the Lane School after owners of the property asked that it be rezoned for commercial use, which would allow them to build up to a five storey building, though their agent added that they have not made any applications for construction.
The National Trust, CURB, Premier's race advisor Rolf Commissiong and scores of people contacted The Royal Gazette calling for the building to be saved.
The provisional listing lasts for 90 days. During this period the building is considered a Grade 3 Listed Building and the owners and occupiers are given an opportunity to make such representations or objections to the Minister as they see fit. Within this period the Minister will decide if the building will be formally listed.
The National Trust said it was "thrilled" with the decision.
Dorcas Roberts, the Trust's preservation officer, said: "We are confident that in three months the building will be recognised for its historical importance and that it will remain on the list of historical and architecturally significant structures.
"It is vital that the best examples of Bermuda's heritage are preserved to tell the island's collective and complete story, historically and culturally, and to pass this story on to future generations.
And the Trust's President Jennifer Gray added: "The National Trust has been overwhelmed by the public support for this historical building and wishes to congratulate and applaud the community for speaking out in support of Bermuda's threatened built heritage.
"We also look forward to many more historical buildings being added to the list in the near future when the City of Hamilton will be included."
What do you think? Email roklynch@royalgazette.bm
