Visitors and residents yesterday ignored overcast skies and packed King's Square in St. George's to witness the pomp of the Peppercorn Ceremony.

The ceremony originated in 1816 when the seat of Government moved from the East End to Hamilton. The State House, which was the scene of meetings of Her Majesty's Council and the site of many functions, was granted to the Mayor, Alderman and Common Council of St. George's in trust for Lodge St. George Number 266 for the annual rent of one peppercorn.

The original date for payment of rent, December 27, has since been changed to fall on the most suitable day nearest April 23, St. George's Day.

On that day, the regular meeting of the Governor's Council, which is normally held in the Cabinet Chamber in Hamilton, is held in the State House and is attended by all Members of the Cabinet.

Attending the ceremony yesterday were many local and foreign dignitaries including the Mayor of Lyme Regis in England, Owen Lovell, and Premier Jennifer Smith plus a large contingent of Town Criers who are on Island for their International Championships.

Mayor of St. George's Lois Perinchief noted that St. George's is the oldest inhabited English speaking town in the Western Hemisphere -- having been founded 388 years ago.

She paid tribute to the work done to promote St. George's as a world heritage site by the St. George's Foundation and the Bermuda Heritage Association, which celebrated its second anniversary last month.

Ms Perinchief also noted that this was her final Peppercorn Ceremony as Mayor and said she felt confident that St. George's was being recognised as the precious jewel it was.

Governor Thorold Masefield said he enjoyed coming to St. George's because of the hospitality and history it offered.

Mr. Masefield also paid tribute to Anthony Richardson, the new accountant general and a "son of St. George's'', who received the annual rent of one peppercorn.