One of Grand Cayman’s earliest settlers was an Englishman named William Eden. In 1780, he built a three-story mansion on his cotton and mahogany plantation. It was so magnificent compared to surrounding cottages the locals called it a castle. On December 5, 1831, a group of citizens met here to form the first parliament with elected representatives from five districts. Therefore, Pedro St. James is considered the birthplace of Cayman democracy. The proclamation for the abolition of slavery was also read from this historic location in 1835.
