St. George’s To Celebrate Pilot ‘Jemmy’ Darrell
The family of Pilot James ‘Jemmy’ Darrell and the Corporation of St. George are getting set to promote its UNESCO World Heritage Site status by celebrating the 200th anniversary of the death of the pilot, who died on April 12, 1815.
Considered to be the first black man to own a home in Bermuda, Mr. Darrell was a freed slave. Deed polls confirm that 5 Aunt Peggy’s Lane, St. George, was bought and owned by Mr. Darrell in the 18th century.
In May 1795, while under the “ownership” of Captain Francis Darrell of St. George’s, ‘Jemmy’ Darrell piloted Admiral George Murray’s ship, the 74-gun HMS Resolution, into Murray’s Anchorage on the North Shore near Tobacco Bay, St. George’s.
He was freed from slavery the following year, and was made a King’s Pilot on May 23, 1796. King’s Pilots were premiere pilots whose main responsibility was to pilot British naval ships through the Bermuda reefs.
A spokesperson for the event said, “There will be entertainment by the family of Pilot Jemmy Darrell, an exhibit in the Town Hall, refreshment vendors, a fun castle, music, and the MC will be Sherri Simmons. There will be a family scavenger hunt in the Olde Towne for all to take part in, with groups visiting all the museums in the town, which will be open.
“A great opportunity to learn and enjoy our history and understand the importance of having UNESCO World Heritage Status.”
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Category: All, Entertainment, History
St. George, the UNESCO site needs to keep its only historical Black school opened and not mess with the cut