Headquarters House

This trim little townhouse-turned-museum is one block north and two east of North Pde. The brick-and-timber house was originally known as Hibbert House, named after Thomas Hibbert, reportedly one of four members of the Assembly who in 1755 engaged in a bet to build the finest house and thereby win the attention of a much-sought-after beauty. It seems he lost the bet. In 1872, when the capital was moved from Spanish Town to Kingston, the house became the seat of the Jamaican legislature and remained so until 1960, when Gordon House was built across the street. Since 1983, Headquarters House has hosted the Jamaican National Heritage Trust, which has its offices in the former bedrooms and in an extension. Visitors are welcome to roam the rest of the building, including the former debating chamber on the ground floor, holding portraits of Jamaica’s national heroes. Upstairs is a lookout tower of the type commonly built by the wealthy merchants of yesteryear to spy incoming vessels. The basement is an Aladdin’s cave brimful with art and offbeat relics.