History in Barbados

National Heroes Square , renamed in 1999, was originally called Trafalgar Square. Its location marks the center of Bridgetown.A statue of Lord Horatio Nelson predates…

Historic Sites

National Heroes Square

This square, renamed in 1999, was originally called Trafalgar Square. Its location marks the center of Bridgetown. A statue of Lord Horatio Nelson predates London’s statue of the same man by 27 years. The square is also home to a war memorial and a fountain celebrating the 1865 advent of running water on the island.

Gun Hill Signal Station

Visit this spot on a clear day – the views are amazing and stretch from east to west. This signal station was built in 1818 as a communication point and station for sick British soldiers. The Barbados National Trust owns and operates the station, which is one of only two such stations still in existence on the island. Be sure you examine the huge lion carved from a single rock. Captain Henry Wilkinson completed it in 1868 during his off-duty hours. The old military kitchen is now a snack bar serving refreshments, and a gift shop is available for souvenir buying. (246-426-2421).

Tyrol Cot Heritage Village

This historic house belonged to Sir Grantley Adams, leader of the Bajan independence movement, and was the birthplace of his son Tom, the second Prime Minister of Barbados. The Palladian-style house was built in 1854 of native coral stone. You may tour the home and view the Adams’ beautiful antiques and other artifacts. The adjacent four-acre estate has been turned into a “heritage village,” representing life in a Barbadian town circa 1920. Blacksmiths, potters and craftsmen work in the former chattel houses, and you may buy their wares. A café serves refreshments. (246-424-2074).

The Barbados Parliament

The Barbadian government is the third oldest in the entire British Commonwealth. This massive Gothic building, erected in 1874 to house the Senate and House of Assembly, is made of local coral limestone. A series of stained glass windows depicts British kings and queens and biblical quotations. An observation deck is available for visitors to witness the action; call to find out the day and time of the next session. (246-427-2019).

Sunbury Plantation House

A fire in 1995 destroyed all of Sunbury Plantation except the thick stone outer walls. However, the 300-year old home has been fully restored to its previous splendor and is the only great house in Barbados with all rooms open for viewing. This museum provides a glimpse of life on an 18th- or 19th-century Bajan sugar plantation. Period furnishings and old prints decorate the interior, and old carriages and agricultural vehicles provide a glimpse of working life. Once a week or so, the Courtyard restaurant opens for a lovely candlelight dinner served on a 200-year old mahogany table – call ahead for times and reservations. (246-423-6270)

St. Nicholas Abbey

This spectacular home was never actually an abbey – a previous owner just liked the sound of the name! Built in 1650, this is the island’s oldest great house and is thought to be one of only three Jacobean-style houses still standing in the Western Hemisphere. The first floor, decorated with period furnishings, is fully restored and open to the public. An on-site café serves light lunches and afternoon tea. (246-422-5357, 246-422-8725)

Morgan Lewis Mill

This is the best-preserved mill in the entire Caribbean. Dutch-style mills of this type began replacing less efficient cattle-powered mills around 1798. The Morgan Lewis mill was able to extract up to 65% of sugar found in the cane. Photos and sugar-manufacturing antiques, such as yokes and ladles, are on display. Be sure to climb to the top of the mill for an excellent, panoramic view. (246-426-2421)

Farley Hill

The skeletal remains of a mansion stand here, what’s left of a residence constructed by a notable British resident in the 1800s. The mansion was used as a film location in 1965, but was largely destroyed by fire shortly thereafter. Today, most folks visit the park for the magnificent ocean views, or for January’s Barbados Jazz Festival. (246-422-3555)

Historical Sightseeing

Barbados Museum & Historical Society

Located in the former British military prison, the museum opened its doors in 1933. Exhibits detail the island’s development from prehistoric to modern times. You will see artifacts dating to 400BC from the Arawak culture. Also on display are slave journals, West Indian maps, cane-harvesting tools, and decorative and fine art. The museum also features a children’s gallery, gift shop and a wonderful café where you can rest and refresh with a soda or coffee. (246-427-0201)

Emancipation Memorial

This inspirational statue depicts Bussa, the man who, in the early 19th century, led the first rebellion of Bajan slaves. Looking out over the cane fields outside of Bridgetown, this memorial is a sobering reminder of the island’s history.

Morgan Lewis Mill

Mt. Gay Distilleries

Admission to this working distillery includes an informative 40-minute tour and a free taste of the rum they produce. Tours with a buffet lunch and steel band entertainment are also available. (246-425-8757)

Harry Bayley Observatory

Take advantage of your far-south latitude and visit this observatory – the only one in the East Caribbean. Harry Bayley, who also founded the Barbados Astronomical Society, built it in 1963. Your Friday night visit will begin with a half-hour educational video. Then you will ascend to the rooftop observation post where the 14-inch reflector telescope is located. When it’s not your turn to examine the heavens, be sure to note the lovely nighttime view of Bridgetown.

St. Nicholas Abbey

Sunbury Plantation House

Banks Brewery Tours

The traditional Bajan beer is Banks, a hugely popular brew by any standard. A tour of this small brewery will show you just how it’s made. The “Brewseum” has a lot of fun and interesting memorabilia and provides all sorts of insight into the history of the brewery. At the end of the tour, guests get to sample the finished products (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages). Transportation to and from the brewery can also be arranged. (246-227-6782)