Brades became Montserrat’s de facto capital after Plymouth was abandoned. The island’s government offices and administrative headquarters moved to Brades after volcanic eruptions made the former capital unsafe.
The Soufrière Hills volcano began erupting in 1995, and the town of Plymouth was eventually buried by volcanic deposits in 1997. Although Plymouth remains Montserrat’s de jure capital in a legal and historical sense, it is no longer the practical seat of government. Interim government buildings were established at Brades in 1998, and the settlement has continued to function as the island’s de facto capital.
This distinction explains why quiz questions about Montserrat can seem confusing. Brades is the working or effective capital, while Plymouth is the official capital traditionally recognized in law. Little Bay, next to Brades, has been developed as a future capital area, but it has not displaced Brades as the island’s administrative center.
Brades is also more than a government location: it contains shops, banking services, a post office, public offices, and other essential services for Montserrat’s population.