With the upcoming Peppercorn tradition it is fitting to learn a little about “The Governor’s Park”, known today as Somers Garden.

The National Trust’s “Bermuda’s Architectural Heritage St. George’s” says the Garden is one of the most historic spots in Bermuda and the site where Sir George Somers’ heart was reputedly buried after he died in November 1610. For a decade, the grave was marked by a simple wooden cross which became “all overgrown with bushes and rubbish”.

In April 1620, Governor Nathaniel Butler corrected this affront to “so noble a gentleman by causing a tomb to be built on the site with a marble tablet and inlaid brass inscription”.

Butler composed an epitaph paid tribute to the dead knight: “—At last his soule and body dying to part, he here bequeathed his entryles and his heart.”

Although Sir George’s heart was in the tomb, his body was returned to England so that his nephew, Matthew Somers, could prove that his uncle was dead in order to collect his inheritance.

A century later in 1726 , Governor John Hope buried his wife Charlotte in the park near the tomb. He granted two town lots the following year on the condition that the recipients ‘take care to keep in due repair the wall, including the graves of Sir George and my lady Charlotte Hope.”

In the 1750s Governor William Popple enjoyed playing cricket in his garden on Sunday afternoons.

After the capital was moved to Hamilton officers from the garrison grew vegetables in the park Governor Lefroy designated it a public park more befitting the dignity of the colony’s founder in the 1870s.

It was officially designated Somers Garden in 1911, three hundred years after the old knight’s death. Today, the park is exquisitely tended by the nurturing gardeners of the Corporation. Regardless of the season you will always see flowers growing here. The ground seems to offer eternal nourishment to flowers.

Somers’ Garden is a tranquil and serene place to sit and think of nothing or everything.

Indeed, it may be a small piece of heaven on earth.