Government today announced the Lane School could become a permanently listed historical building.

Situated on East Broadway, the Lane School 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 of the day to free the slaves of the US brigantine Enterprise in 1835 after it had put ashore in Bermuda during a storm.

Today Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney announced the Lane School had 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.

Mr. Blakeney consulted the Historic Buildings Advisory Committee (HBAC). After conducting an evaluation of the property they recommended that the Lane School, now known as Moonray Manor, be included as a Grade 3 listed building, based on its historic and architectural importance.

The Royal Gazette championed the move for the building’s protection. We called 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.

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. During this time the building’s owners and occupiers are able to make such representations or objections to the Minister, after which he is to decide if the building will be formally listed.