Backstage Pass: Victoria Elizabeth treats herself to Pedro St. James visit

by VICTORIA ELIZABETH

CTFashionMag.com

The Pedro St. James National Historic Site, is a legendary, iconic, and historically important landmark for both the Cayman Islands and world history. It served as an epicenter for the island’s culture and industry.

This widely acclaimed monument, known as “Pedro’s Castle,” is the oldest stone structure in the Cayman Islands, built in 1780 by mariner and plantation owner, William Eden, using the labor of enslaved people.

Located on a peaceful, pristine, and magnificently landscaped seven acres of land, Pedro St. James features a plethora of visually stunning and highly educational attractions onsite, including a stately three-story “Great House,” palm-lined walkways, manicured lawns and  breathtaking sea views.

Following a lengthy and arduous renovation process, the beautiful Pedro St. James was officially opened to the public in 1998, and has since served as one of the top land based attractions the Grand Cayman has to offer. The Backstage Pass team was provided the exciting opportunity to do a spotlight feature.

Upon arrival to Pedro St. James, we meandered through the gift shop. We were then directed into the theater, which features an array of reading materials and artifacts related to the attraction, including photos and a time-line regarding the tragedy during which Pedro St. James was struck by lighting and subsequently engulfed by an extensive fire.

The Great House and surrounding grounds are a living testament to the tenacity, resilience, and steadfastness of those determined to rebuild and preserve its legacy.

The nearly 20-minute film is introduced by a lively and engaging tour guide and delves into an intriguing array of topics ranging from the early exploration and claim of land led by Sir Francis Drake, the inception of the farm in 1773 by Englishman William Eden and his wife, Darcy Bodden, and how this very site became lauded as “The Birthplace of Democracy in the Cayman Islands.”

Upon the conclusion of the film, we began to roam the spacious grounds, beginning with its central point, The Great House, filled with a dizzying display of 18th century artifacts, elegant antique style furniture, immersive artwork, and outstanding views of the grounds on the sweeping wrap around porch. The abolition of slavery in the British Empire, including the Cayman Islands, was publicly declared at Pedro St. James National Historic Site in 1835.

In order to prevent fire-related accidents and other unwanted incidents , the food preparation, laundering, etc. were performed next to the castle in the yard.

We thoroughly enjoyed the bountiful  sights and nature sounds within the grounds of Pedro St. James, and were impressed by the large collection of stamps throughout history in the Stamp Room.

Thatch and Barrel, the onsite restaurant, is a perfect place to indulge in chef prepared cuisine and lively libations following your tour of the grounds. The Scuba Diving Hall of Fame is also located near the entrance of the restaurant. The scuba section includes costumes and memorabilia from the movie Jaws as well as a fascinating tribute to diving superstars Ron and Valerie Taylor, Australian shark experts who were credited with being the first people to film great white sharks without the protection of a cage, as well as endless Hollywood film credits.

Additional notable inductees into the Hall of Fame include legendary actor and diver Lloyd Bridges as well as internationally renowned artist and marine biologist, Guy Harvey.

Special thanks to the amazing Leanna Jarvis-Burton and the Cayman Islands National Attraction Authority for having us!

WEBSITE: https://pedrostjames.ky

PHONE NUMBER: +1 345-947-3329

INSTAGRAM @pedro_st.james