York House, St. Georges

York House, also called Parliament House, once held a central place in the history and architecture of St. George’s. Before its destruction by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, the building served as the seat of Grenada’s Parliament for more than a century, acting as both a political hub and an important landmark in the capital.

Built in the 1770s, the structure originally served as the home of the Depontieu family. Its size and style brought a sense of prominence to the area. In 1801, the government purchased the property and converted it into the meeting place for the colonial legislature. It was later named after the Duke of York, whose visit to Grenada in the 18th century reinforced its status as a major public building.

After Grenada gained independence in 1974, York House became the official home of the nation’s Parliament. Legislative sessions, debates, and state functions were held within its walls. The Supreme Court also occupied the lower floor, making the building essential to both the legislative and judicial systems.

York House was the setting for several notable occasions, including a visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1985, during which she attended a special session of Parliament. Events like this highlighted the building’s role in national life.

Hurricane Ivan dealt a severe blow to York House in 2004, leaving the structure badly damaged and unsafe to use. Since then, it has remained abandoned, standing as a reminder of its long service to Grenada’s political and civic history.

York House bore witness to numerous significant events throughout its existence, including a visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1985, during which she presided over a special session of Parliament. This royal visit underscored the building's status as a cornerstone of Grenada's political and cultural heritage.

Tragically, York House fell victim to the destructive forces of Hurricane Ivan in 2004, sustaining irreparable damage that rendered it uninhabitable. Following the storm, the building was abandoned, leaving behind memories of its former glory and a void in Grenada's architectural landscape.