Somerset Bridge and Southlands Cottage have been proposed for listed status, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

While Somerset Bridge would be given a Grade HM listing — classifying it as a Historic Monument Listed Building — Southlands Cottage in Warwick would become a Grade 2 listed building, with Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy saying it could become the visitors’ centre for Southlands when it becomes a national park.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs believes that the many examples of traditional Bermudian architecture seen in Southlands Cottage are worth preserving for future generations,” Sen Fahy said. “The Department of Parks envisions that Southlands Cottage will become a Visitors’ Centre, and stand as an excellent example of local architecture which visitors and locals alike can enjoy.”

Sen Fahy described Somerset Bridge as an iconic structure in Bermuda, noting its status as the world’s smallest drawbridge.

“It is emblematically Bermudian and by listing it as a Grade HM or Historic Monument Listed Building it would ensure the protection of the structure for years to come,” he said.

Somerset Bridge was erected in the 1600s, possibly as early as the 1640s, and appeared on the 1663 Richard Norwood map. The current bridge was extensively rebuilt in 1960 after the supports partially gave way. At that stage the bridge was strengthened and widened, but a proposal to replace it with a steel and concrete structure was abandoned given the bridge’s iconic status.

The original Southlands Cottage could date back to the late 1700s, with several additions to the main house added over the past century. The first documented owner was Thomas Dunscomb, who rented it to William Astwood in about 1812, and later to Rev James Morrison who operated a school out of the building between 1839 and 1849.

Grade HM status is reserved for buildings of historical significance and structural interest which makes them of vital historic importance. Any alterations of such a listed building should normally be avoided, and remain on a like-for-like basis.

Grade 2 listed buildings are considered of special interest and architectural or historical value. Alterations or additions to such buildings should be limited to not impinge on aspects which are protected and preserved, and any work should be in the same structural and decorative style as the original building.

Both nominations have been made after extensive consultation with the Historic Buildings Advisory Committee, according to a Ministry of Home Affairs statement. The Department of Parks nominated Southlands Cottage for the designation, while Sandys Parish Council nominated Somerset Bridge.

The Minister’s decision to proceed with these listing designations under Section 30 of the Development and Planning Act 1974 allows for a public consultation period, which will end on December 31. After that, the Minister will make a final decision regarding the designations.

Any comments may be sent to the Permanent Secretary of Home Affairs care of Forward Planning, Department of Planning, Dame Lois Browne-Evans Building, 5th Floor, 58 Court Street, Hamilton, HM 12.