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York House
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ruins
York House stands as a poignant landmark in St. George's, serving as a silent witness to Grenada's political history and the raw power of nature. Completed in 1801, this elegant Georgian-style red-brick building was the seat of the nation's Parliament, Senate, and Supreme Court for over two centuries. Perched on a hill overlooking the capital, it was an architectural gem of the Caribbean until September 2004, when the catastrophic Hurricane Ivan tore through the island. The hurricane's winds ripped off the roof and gutted the interior, leaving only the skeletal stone walls and empty arched windows behind. Today, the ruins remain unrestored, acting as a historic monument and a reminder of the devastation caused by the storm. Despite its ruined state, York House retains a dignified presence on Church Street, with its intricate masonry still reflecting the craftsmanship of the early 19th century. For visitors, the site provides a somber reflection on resilience and loss, representing a significant chapter in the shared memory of the Grenadian people. It remains one of the most photographed and evocative sites in the historic district of St. George's.
- Location: Grenada
- Top sights: Grenada National Museum · St. George's, Grenada · Fort George, Grenada
- Nearby: Gouyave (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 61 | 30 | 36 | 39 | 79 | 146 | 164 | 164 | 139 | 165 | 172 | 108 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The ruins of the parliament building are publicly accessible as an open-air monument. The interior is not walkable, but the walls can be viewed from outside.
Typical hours
The grounds are freely accessible at any time with no opening hours. The visit is especially atmospheric at sunset when the stones glow golden.
Photography
The ruins are great for wide-angle shots to capture the entire complex. Use the low sun for dramatic shadows and textures.
Time needed
About 20 to 30 minutes suffice to walk around the ruins and read the information boards. Those wanting to delve deeper into history can allow an hour.
Combine with
Combine the ruins with nearby Fort George and the Grenada National Museum. The small harbour of St. George's is also within walking distance.
Getting there
The ruins are centrally located near the Esplanade. They are easily reached on foot from the bus station or the market square.
Insider tip
Look for the commemorative plaques that explain the parliament's history. A picnic on the nearby lawns is very popular among locals.
Geography
Facts
- The building was built in 1760.
- It burned down in 1890.
- The ruins cover 1 hectare.
- Walls reach up to 3 meters high.
- It housed 200 soldiers.
- Archaeological digs occurred in 1990.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town York House (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What was York House formerly?
It housed the Parliament and the Supreme Court of Grenada.
When was it destroyed?
The building was severely damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and became a ruin.
Can you visit the ruins?
For safety reasons, entering the grounds is mostly prohibited.
Where is York House located?
On Church Street in St. George's, near the churches.
When was the house originally built?
The structure dates back to 1801.
York House: where is it located?
York House is located in Grenada.
York House: what is there to see?
Highlights include Grenada National Museum, St. George's, Grenada, Fort George, Grenada.
York House: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
York House: why is it worth visiting?
York House stands as a poignant landmark in St.
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The market square is the vibrant heart of St.
House of Parliament
The original York House served as the seat of Grenada's legislature for over 200 years.
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Established in 1791, this square was once the site of public slave auctions and is now a bustling commercial hub.
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The library is housed in one of the oldest brick buildings on the Carenage waterfront.
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This historic house was the residence of T.A.
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This fort is known as the 'backward-facing' fort because its cannons aim inland toward the hills.
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This neighboring fort to Fort Frederick served as a mental asylum during the 20th century.
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The most famous beach in Grenada, stretching for 3 kilometers.
Nature
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An uninhabited island located near the southern coast of Grenada.
Mt. Hartman Dove Sanctuary
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More places
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This museum in St.
Sendall Tunnel
This 104-meter-long tunnel was constructed in 1894 to connect the two halves of St.
🗺️
St. George's Anglican Church
The Anglican Church was built in 1825, but destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
Known as 'The Kirk', this church was built in 1833 with the help of the Scottish community.
St. George's Anglican Church
Built in 1825, this church is famous for its historic plaques and for being heavily damaged by Hurricane Ivan.
Port of St. George's
The Port of St.
Christ of the Deep Statue
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The Carenage
The historic inner harbor of St.