Church bells ring to mark 200th anniversary of British settlement on Ascension Island

23 October 2015

Press Release

The bells of St Mary’s Church, Ascension, were rung yesterday evening in recognition of the British men who came ashore exactly 200 years ago to establish a garrison on the Island. Commander Dobree of HMS Zenobia and Captain White of HMS Peruvian took possession of the Island on 22 October 1815 in the name of King George III.

The ringing of the church bells in Georgetown signalled the start of a weekend of Bicentenary celebrations and was followed by a ‘Dance the Night Away’ party in Georgetown Square, attended by a large and enthusiastic crowd of locals and visitors.

Further events planned for the weekend include a Flag Raising ceremony and the official opening of the new Bicentenary Park on Saturday.