clarence house
written by
Sandie de Freitas

Image Antigua National Park

Clarence House in English Harbour, Antigua, is an architectural and historical treasure of the Caribbean, epitomizing the region's colonial past and naval heritage. Originally built between 1804 and 1806, the current structure replaced an earlier building believed to have been constructed for the Duke of Clarence, later King William IV, when he served in Antigua’s Royal Navy in the 1780s. The house initially served as a residence for the dockyard’s Commissioner but shifted roles after the Napoleonic Wars, reflecting Britain’s reduced military interest in the Caribbean.

clarence

After 1856, Clarence House became the official retreat for Antigua’s governors, undergoing extensive modifications by various residents over the years. The structure has endured multiple hurricanes, including significant damage in 1871 and extensive restoration in the 1950s under Governor Sir Kenneth Blackburn. However, hurricanes in the 1990s caused further devastation, leaving it in ruins.

Today, Clarence House stands as a testament to the resilience of Antigua’s historical architecture. Its lower level now hosts workshops and conferences, while the upper floors will serve as a museum open to exclusive tours. With an elegantly restored courtyard suitable for large events, Clarence House is a celebrated part of the Georgian architectural legacy at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Antigua Naval Dockyard. Managed by the National Parks Authority, it was formally reopened by Prince Harry in 2016, ensuring its legacy as a prominent cultural landmark.