Government House was built in 1845 and is still the home of the British Governor of the Falkland Islands today. It is built with two different kinds of grey-stoned bricks as originally bricks were costing £21 per 1,000, and later they found local bricks could be used at £7 per 1,000. Sir Ernest Shackleton stayed here during his 1912-17 expedition, describing it as ‘far colder than any time on the ice.’
Government House was famously attacked at 6.30 am on 2 April 1982 by 16 Argentinian naval commandos, where they were confronted by 31 Royal Marines, 11 armed Royal Navy men, and one other. Rex Hunt, the Governor, took refuge under his desk. Three Argentinians were wounded including the platoon leader, Lt-Commander Giachino, who later died. By 8 am, Governor Hunt recognised that they were outnumbered, and with a heavy heart, but anxious not to cause unnecessary bloodshed, he ordered the Royal Marines to surrender.
The first Commonwealth Walkway disc was unveiled outside Government House on 12 November 2015 by Colin Roberts (born 1959), Governor of the Falklands 2013-17.
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A medal was purchased for this point by: Falklands Island Government
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