The St. George’s Post Office on Water Street and Customs House Square has had a long and varied history, having been a jail and a Customs House over the years.

The building is one the site of Bermuda’s first jail, erected in 1622, just 13 years after the wreck of the Sea Venture <$>that led to Bermuda’s settlement.

It was built by Governor Nathaniel Butler in 1622 and was described as “a stronge and large prison of framed caeder”.

Throughout the 17th and18th Centuries the colony’s prison was a place to hold accused criminals or debtors awaiting trial at the assizes, rather than a place of punishment where criminals might be sentenced for long periods.

By 1700 both Butler’s prison and the Provost Marshal’s House were ready to “tumble down”. In 1711 a new gaol with a dungeon was built on a site slightly to the east of today’s Police Station under what is now Customs House Square. By 1756 this new prison was in poor repair and the government drew up plans to build a two-storey gaol.

During the American Revolution large numbers of French and American prisoners captured on privateers and prizes were crammed into this prison, as well as the older one to the north.

They were shabbily treated by Governor George Bruere who considered them pirates rather than prisoners of war.

The building became the Customs House in 1852 and later the town’s post office.

The St. George’s Post Office, originally the 1760 gaol, but greatly altered subsequently, has been modernised to suit changing needs and use.

The general appearance of the classically detailed arched verandah and simple railing has been carefully preserved and the impression given by the Customs House survives intact.

For greater historical facts refer to The Bermuda National Trust’s “Bermuda’s Architectural Heritage St. George’s”.