ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

A 1915 postcard of the restored Clarence House (r) to unfold in the presence of Prince Harry (l).

This weekend history will unfold before our very eyes in the UNESCO Heritage site of the National Park. The UNESCO project has been a labour of love for many people in the National Parks team, especially Historian Dr. Reginald Murphy and National Parks Commissioner, Ann Marie Martin.

In the 184 page submission document for the project, Dr. Murphy, Chairman of the World Heritage Committee writes, ‘This dossier is the culmination of years of hard work, research, and the writings of many scholars including the late Sir Kenneth Blackburne and Desmond V. Nicholson. It was achieved through the vision and encouragement of many persons in the community, the graduate students and management of the National Parks and the Government of Antigua & Barbuda.' To take a look at the dossier, click here.

So fast forward to this weekend - Sunday, November 20th, when not only does Prince Harry grace our shores as part of his Caribbean tour and to celebrate our 35 years of Independence, but he will enjoy the first official private function to take place at the newly renovated Clarence House in many years.

Built in 1783 Clarence House was an excellent example of a Colonial Great House. It was damaged by hurricanes in the 1990’s. Following significant funding from the Sir Peter Harrison Foundation, a charitable organization in the UK, the team involved has literally brought Clarence House back to life.

Congratulations to all who have been a part of the project. We look forward to having a stunning new attraction included in what is already an area rich in heritage. We love to see our visitors’ reactions to breathtaking sunsets and spectacular views of Nelson’s Dockyard which we’re sure they will share for years to come.