Government House is the official residence of the Governor General of The Bahamas, located in Nassau. Built on a hill known as Mount Fitzwilliam, and completed in 1806, this imposing stuccoed-coral-rock building on Duke Street is the Bahamian archipelago’s foremost example of Georgian Colonial architecture.
The building’s original neoclassical aspect, as well as its stone construction, was directly influenced by the arrival of Loyalists from the southern United States in the 1780s. Previously most Bahamian buildings had been built of painted wood. Typically Bahamian elements include louvred wood shutters and brightly painted exterior, in this case a brilliant shade of conch-pink. The primary façade, centred on a pedimented entrance supported by four stout Ionic columns, dates from the 1930s, when the building was remodelled following the hurricane of 1929.
In the colonial days it was the residence of the Governor of The Bahamas. It later continued in the role of official residence and office of the Governor General following political independence from the United Kingdom in 1973.
Stamp Releases
1978 Architectural Heritage – 16c Government House
Postcards
1953 – Bahamas Philately: Mardon, Son & Hall Ltd (No.1-39)
1954 – Colorpicture (2400 Series)
1957 – American News Co (P17300)
1958 – The Nassau Shop (28100 Series)
1962 – Lofthouse Agency Ltd (P44400 Series – Type EA)
1964 – Dexter Press Inc (DT-80000-B Series – Type A)
1964 – Dexter Press Inc (DT-92300-B Series – Type A)
1964 – Dexter Press Inc (DT-92300-B Series – Type I)
1969 – Calypso Distributors Ltd (P70600 Series)
1969 – John Hinde Limited (2 BH Series – Type A – No.1-49)
1969 – John Hinde Limited (2BH Series – Type B – No.1-49)
1974 – John Hinde Ltd (4ED Series)
