Smith's Parish – Named for Sir Thomas Smith, first governor of the Somers Isles Company
Like all of Bermuda’s parishes, Smith’s takes its name from one of the chief investors of the Somers Isles Company, the venture that organised the early English colony. Its namesake, Sir Thomas Smith, was the company’s first governor and also a leading figure in the East India Company and treasurer of the Virginia Company. He invested heavily in Bermuda, yet his direct involvement in his own share of land was modest, and for a time the area was even known as “Harris’ Bay”.
This small parish on Bermuda’s main island still carries that early colonial story in its name. Today it is a quiet residential corner of the island. Do you know an old family story, a landmark or a local tradition from Smith’s? Share it with the community!