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Bermuda's bounty
Bermuda played an important role in the history of the New World, and this year the island nation celebrates a significant anniversary
When Admiral Somers led Sea Venture and six other ships across the Atlantic in the summer of 1609, he took with him more than 600 men, women and children; pioneers seeking a better life in the recently established English colony of Jamestown, Virginia. Unfortunately their crossing was far from plain sailing and a storm soon disbanded the fleet. Suffering severe leaks, Sea Venture limped towards America only to run aground in Bermuda.
When there was no sign of rescue after the first few weeks, a longboat was sent off towards Virginia to raise the alarm – but the crew never made it to Jamestown. As the days and weeks passed, the marooned colony began to settle into island life and Somers, without a fleet to command, set about planting vegetables and exploring the territory. Meanwhile, work began on constructing new ships from the wreck of Sea Venture and by May the following year the boats were ready to launch.
Having spent nine months in the benevolent Bermudan climate, most of those shipwrecked found it a wrench to leave and only two people remained: a pardoned murderer and a mutineer. Hence four centuries later, Bermuda is celebrating its 400-year anniversary of continuous habitation.
A year of exciting events
Visitors to the island in 2009 can look forward to many special events. An exhibition running until October will explore the links between England's second permanent colony in the New World and its first, Jamestown. In June the island will welcome the competitors of the Tall Ships Atlantic Race during their journey from Vigo to Belfast, and Fort St Catherine will host a stylised re-enactment of Sea Venture's wreck during the months of June and July.
Some extra-special celebrations are planned for Somers Day on July 28, when St George's will commemorate the anniversary of the shipwreck with longboats arriving on Gate’s Beach and the unveiling of a new monument culminating in an evening of music, dance and fireworks.
A collection of historical and contemporary works of art will present a cultural history of Bermuda at an exhibition opening in September, then October heralds two well-established events: the four-day Music Festival featuring concerts on the beach and performances from local and international artists, plus the Bermuda Tattoo, a world-class spectacle of music, dance and military precision held at the Royal Naval Dockyard. Finally, on November 21 there will be a commemorative birthday dinner and concert to celebrate Bermuda’s vibrant culture.
Bermuda, an island for all
Britain's oldest colony actually comprises 138 islands which combined cover a mere 20 square land miles. This means it's easy to get a flavour of Bermuda and easy to get around, especially as there are frequent ferries and buses running in and out of Hamilton, the tiny capital.
Bite-sized Bermuda is famed for its candyfloss coloured beaches, but these aren't its only attraction. There are underwater caves, jungle and marshland, the historic Royal Naval Dockyard and of course plenty of opportunities for golf – in fact this tiny nation lays claim to having more golf courses per square mile than anywhere else on the planet.
