Our first stop was the Court of Policy Building, built around 1752. It is the oldest non-military structure in the country. Oddly enough, photos were forbidden inside. No one could explain why, not even the guard who insisted on implementing the rule. During its heyday, the Court served several simultaneous functions – store, church, court, and seat of government. Today, none of that history remains except a tiny museum (consists of old photos and explanatory text as well as various items found in the area) and the tombs of three Dutch officials. There are no ghost stories here, which is unfortunate as it is the perfect place for some. I feel like I should suggest this to the Guyanese tourism board – we foreigners love our ghost stories!
How bizarre that you couldn’t take pictures inside the policy building, too bad the guard wasn’t more lax about it.
The lozenge shape of the fort seems to be translated into the window shapes as well. And I too would not have felt safe sleeping over the powder house. I know a lot of forts have them way off to the side, I wonder when that started? I suppose after enough soldiers were blown up while sleeping…
Were many of the homes in your pictures actually in use?
some of them were but we were told that slowly over the years, people leave for the mainland. makes me wonder if there will be a revitalization project – if you have a boat, could be a cool place to live!
Nice travelogue – you have a deft hand at writing as well as photography!
Thanks! It is definitely a great way to waltz down memory lane 🙂