Collections
Belmont House features several fascinating collections. It is most well-known for its extraordinary clock collection, created by the 5th Lord Harris, who was the founding president of the Antiquarian Horological Society. Clocks are on display throughout the house and those which are not can be seen on specialist clock tours, which are regularly held on the last Saturday of the month. More information on the clock collection can be found under ‘Clocks’.
The Armoury
The armour and arms collection is made up on pieces from India, the South Pacific, Africa and Europe collected by 5 generations of the Harris family. The collection represents and encapsulation of the family’s military history. A large number of pieces come from the Mysore armouries in South India, treasures from the 1st Lord Harris’ successful military campaign in India which won him enough money to buy Belmont House. Other significant pieces include the Waterloo Sword presented to the 2nd Lord Harris by his officers.
Armoury Gallery
The Cazabon Collection
The 3rd Lord Harris was a popular governor of Trinidad who befriended and commissioned a local Trinidadian painter, Michel-Jean Cazabon, to paint a number of watercolours and oils for him. The collection at Belmont contains 34 beautiful paintings, which remain remarkably fresh and bright, and display rare glimpses of the life of Trinidad in the 1850s.
Cazabon Gallery
Specialist Clock Tour, last Saturday of each month (April to September)
Jonathan Betts, an expert in Horology and formerly of the National Maritime Museum conducts a clock tour at 1.30 pm on the last Saturday every month during the season. Prior reservation with the Administrator is necessary as places are limited.