Between 1661 and 1689, there was no official residence for the representative of the Queen on the island.

By 1690, a residence was built in Port Royal, however, Governor George William O’Brien commissioned a new King’s House be built in St Jago de la Vega of the St Catherine district (Spanish Town).

In 1872, the capital of Jamaica changed from Spanish Town to Kingston, and the Governor General at the time, Sir John Peter Grant, requested the new King’s House grounds to be located in Somerset Pen, now known as King’s House Lands.

The Somerset Pen property was the traditional home of the Anglican Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Jamaica for 46 years prior to being bought by the Government for £6,000.

The Governor resided at a lodge on the property while the new King’s House was being built around it. The construction took about two years and cost nearly £8,000.

Unfortunately, all this hard work was in vain, as the 1907 earthquake destroyed the home.

It was reconstructed, similar to the one before, under the guidance of architect Sir Charles Nicholson from London.

On the ground floor, along with other rooms lie the ballroom, with portraits of past governors general and past kings and queens. Also lying on the ground floor are the grand foyer ­­­­­— the official entrance of King’s House; the office of the Aide de Camp, who is the personal bodyguard of the Governor General; the pantry; the kitchen; and the dining room.

Above, on the principal floor, lies the Governor General’s office and the morning, drawing and public rooms.

The garden is adorned with a variety of beautiful trees and flowers including a cotton tree imported from Africa. Also sitting in the garden are Lignum Vitaes (the national tree) and a mango tree, which holds great significance as King George of England planted it on a visit to the island.

King’s House is now the official residence of Governor General His Excellency The Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen.