Fort Zeelandia & Dutch Heritage Museum (Court of Policy)

Fort Zeelandia

Fort Zeelandia is located approximately 16 kilometres (10 miles) from the mouth of the Essequibo River on Fort Island. The history of the fort can be traced back to circa 1679, when Abraham Beekman, a Dutch Commandeur, saw the need for one on the island known then as Flag Island. The first fortified structure was built using timber and was near completion by September 1687. During this period, Fort Kyk-Over-Al, which was located further inland, was the capital of Essequibo.

Dutch Heritage Museum (Court of Policy)
The Dutch Heritage Museum formerly known as the Court of Policy is located on Fort Island, approximately 16 kilometres (10 miles) from the mouth of the Essequibo River. The museum, which provides a meaningful contribution to the country’s cultural heritage sector, was opened on February 19, 2007, by the National Trust of Guyana. In its collections are a number of artefacts unearthed from the colonies of Essequibo, Berbice & Demerara along with a number of maps and informational pull-up charts; all of which aids in highlighting the relationships the Dutch had with the indigenous Indians and the slaves they owned.

The Court of Policy, commonly referred to as the Court of Policy Hall was completed in 1752. This single-storey brick structure was built with three compartments. The centre room held church services. The northern chamber held the proceedings of the Court of Policy while the southern room, the Consistory, acted as the prison. The Consistory was later adapted as a vendue (auction) office, primarily for sale of slaves. The building is now the oldest non-military structure in Guyana.