"Walsingham House'', better known as Tom Moore's Tavern in Bailey's Bay, was built in 1652 as a private home by architect, John Milner. The home has graciously survived the years.

Towards the end of the 17th century it became the home of the popular Trott family. Samuel Trott was the first family member to settle in Bermuda about 1668.

The name Walsingham Bay is described on Somers chart. According to Blagg's Atlas and Gazetter, The Admiral named it for the coxswain of the Sea Venture.

Following the shipwreck, Robert Walsingham became so enchanted with the placid bay on the west side of Castle Harbour that he spent many investigative hours there.

The youth left Bermuda in 1610 for Virginia. Indeed, it is a place where one feels very close to nature.

Local historian, John Cox, says the home originally had a thatched roof of palmetto leaves. The Trotts owned some 300 acres in Bermuda and were the largest 17th century land owners in Hamilton Parish.

In 1804 Tom Moore came to Bermuda as Registrar of the Court of Vice-Admiralty.

It was here that his friendship with Nea Tucker was kindled and where he wrote many of his well known works.

Moore's name became attached to the house after having been a guest of the Trott family.

Years ago it was named, "The Poet Tom Moore's House. A rich and handsome portrait of Tom Moore is displayed in the hallway of Walsingham House. It was painted by Diana Tetlow based on an 1820 engraving by John Burnet.

One of the dining rooms is called "The Nea Tucker Room'' with a lovely portrait of the beautiful brunette so adored in Moore's poems.

This room features an old-fashioned brick oven reminiscent of those found in Virginia.

Outdoor dining is a delight during summer evenings on the covered patio.

A lovely terrace provides a picturesque place to stroll before or after dinner. It is a favourite spot for wedding receptions, perfect for champagne sipping.

The estate, off of Harrington Sound Road, is tucked away in the midst of surrounding gardens.

Adjacently there is tranquil Walsingham Bay and dock, a romantically pensive place, diverse from any spot in Bermuda.

Walsingham Pond is worth a quiet study also. In 1991 an article featured in the Aquarium's "Critter Talk'' by Dr. Martin Thomas reads: "There is nothing else in the world like Walsingham Pond.'' He explains the pond as one of a series of saltwater, tidal ponds in Bermuda which are connected to the sea by underground fissures and water-filled caves.

It grows at least 32 species of sponges.

If one sits quietly on the bank one can observe blue parrot fish, turtles and abundant life on the rocks and roots.

The calabash tree to which Moore makes frequent reference in his songs and poems still exists and is about 200 yards from the tavern Inside Tom Moore's there is a "Calabash Dining Room.'' In 1829 Harriet Suzette Lloyd wrote: "It is a noble tree, with wide-spreading branches from its large and strangely-twisted trunk; and it was covered with blossoms and pendent fruit; some still in flower, some hanging down in large gourds.

This beautiful 17th century building is in its original state and is impeccably maintained.

The interiors are all white with dark varnished woods and fine antique serving buffets.

The many fireplaces, wall sconces, cedar ceiling, cedar staircase, french doors and casement windows give it an old world charm.

After entering the charming foyer, one sees to the left the main dining room, "The Admiralty Room.'' It is well appointed with comfortable antique dining chairs to compliment an elegant silver service complete with delicate European china.

The floral sitting decor in the foyer is the same throughout with rich colours of gold and green.

The fire place in "Admiralty Room'' was considered to be so unusual that it was reconstructed in England for the Wembley (London) Exhibition in 1925.

The house became a tavern over 100 years ago and records show that more than two million people have wined and dined within these old walls since then.

It has the distinction of being Bermuda's oldest eating house and comfortably sits 150 guests inside. Dinner is served from 7 PM until 9:30 PM.

It is a wonderful place to go for special occasions with a gourmet menu and the finest of wines.

Numerous awards for excellence hang in the foyer and upstairs in the managerial offices such as the Four Diamond Award, "For exceptional cuisine and service in a fine dining establishment by AAA 1998 and 1999.'' Even more impressive is the "Five Star Diamond Awards'' in 1995 and 1997 by the American Academy of Restaurant and Hospitality Science.

Bruno Fiocca, director of Tom Moore's said: "We are the only restaurant in Bermuda to receive the Five Star Award.'' Continued on page 11.

Interiors of Tom Moore's Tavern You could order the "Fritto Misto,'' a combination of fresh fish, prawns and calamari lightly fried Mediterranean style for $29.75 or another favourite, "Entrecote De Boeuf Aux Trois Poivre'' which is broiled prime sirloin steak flamed with cognac served with black, green and pink peppercorns for $32.50.

In case you are wondering, the most expensive wine on the list is 1961 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild for $2,300. A bit less is the 1989 vintage for $950.

Famous visitors have included the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, who lunched there on October 21, 1970.

Old photo: "Walsingham House'' and lake at Bailey's Bay, as it was years ago.

Today it is known as Tom Moore's Tavern. Courtesy of Bermuda Archives Nea's room: Tom Moore's Tavern has a special dining room in honour of Nea Tucker, beloved friend of the Irish poet, Tom Moore. He immortalises her in his "Odes to Nea.''