The Town of St George was popping with pomp and colour as the centuries-old Peppercorn Ceremony took place yesterday morning.

The Masonic Brothers of the St George Lodge led a procession through the historic town to make their annual payment of one peppercorn to the Governor for the use of the Old State House.

The event was attended by Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, as well as members of Parliament and the Corporation of St George.

Tourists and members of the public gathered to watch the ceremony.

Mr Murdoch, who was attending his first Peppercorn Ceremony, said he was astounded by the moment of history that was kept alive in the Town Square.

He said: “In Bermuda, the past is never far away and every street holds a story. This is particularly true of St George’s.”

The Peppercorn Ceremony was established in 1816 as an agreement between the Government and the Freemasons.

Mr Murdoch said that peppercorn rent, a tradition established in the early 16th century, evolved to refer to any small charge.

He pointed out, however, that the term took on a more virtuous meaning during the ceremony.

Mr Murdoch explained: “The arrangement, in my view, reflects a broader point — that sometimes the right thing to do is to support others without an expectation of proper compensation or personal reward.”

He added: “As I’ve repeatedly witnessed in my time in this archipelago, not least after yesterday at the opening of High Point Nature Reserve, Bermudians are incredibly supportive of charities and non-profit organisations.

“I can genuinely say I have never come across a case where so many give so freely and willingly of their time, experience, expertise and resources to support others.

“You do so like the peppercorn rent — without any thought of payment or reward.

“It is wonderful to see and I am glad to be apart of such a community.”

A parade by the Royal Bermuda Regiment announced the arrival of the Governor and members of the Cabinet.

Many spectators came dressed in lavishly coloured suits and dresses to match the ceremony’s pageantry.

Quinell Francis, the Mayor of St George, said that the Peppercorn Ceremony stood as a “testament to the enduring history, rich heritage and cherished customs” of St George’s.

She said that acts of service were foundational to the parish’s heritage and dated back to its establishment by Sir George Somers.

Ms Francis said: “His story and our shared history serve as a reminder of the strength, imagination and spirit of co-operation that have made St George.”

She added that St George's had been her home her entire life and considered it an honour to lead a town with so much heritage.

She hoped to work with the Government and small businesses to maintain and enhance the parish’s reputation.

Ms Francis said: “Together, we can create a space where everyone from local residents to global visitors experience a touch of heaven.”

Masonic Brothers from the US and Canada attended the ceremony alongside their families and other esteemed guests.

Tourists and members of the public, including a class from St George’s Preparatory School, lined the edges of the Town Square to watch the festivities.

Ann Morgan, 83, said that she had attended the Peppercorn Ceremony for ten years to support her husband, who was a Freemason.

She enjoyed meeting Masonic Brothers from other lodges and their families, many of whom she had kept in contact with.

Ms Morgan added: “My partner and I are going to Canada for three different meetings with Masons.”

Bonita Mockler, 73, said she had flown in from her home New Brunswick, Canada, for years to see the Peppercorn Ceremony.

Ms Mockler explained that her husband was also within the Freemasons and, through him, she met Ms Morgan and her husband.

She said that she would have the pleasure of hosting the couple for ten days in May while their husbands conducted Masonic business.

Ms Mockler added: “There’s a lot of tradition here that I like seeing being kept in place.”