That’s right, Bridgetown and its Garrison have recently been granted the title of a UNESCO world heritage site. We are so proud of our island Barbados and all of the individuals who contributed to make this well deserved designation happen. We thought we would take you back in time and walk you through this masterpiece of history until you have a chance to make your own footsteps along this journey.
"I think we are lost" is the first thought that comes to mind when heading to Fisherpond Great House through the unpaved and bumpy cart road, but partial images of this magnificent historic entity nestled between its thick vegetation, lure the traveler even further toward this 400 year old stronghold surrounded by acres of unmatched gardens. The present beauty and tranquility of this property acts as an effective cloak concealing its unbelievably, unruly history.
As you drive or walk through Holetown in Barbados you may notice a tall standing coral stone building surrounded by lush greenery- well this is the famously known St. James Parish Church. This church is located in the Parish of St. James and is a stone's throw away from the ocean. The first settlers landed in Holetown in 1626 and it was decided that a place of worship should be erected as the settlers community was growing at a rapid pace. In 1628 a wooden building was constructed on this site and then replaced by a coral stone building in 1683 which is now still in use.
One of the most prominent churches on the North- East coast of Barbados is St. Andrew Parish Church. This church was first built from wood in 1630 and then reconstructed as a stone structure in 1846 after being destroyed by a hurricane in 1831. The present church which sits among lush Casuarina trees is of Georgian architecture. It was built from sawn stone and has a tower and gallery running on three sides of the building.
The Nidhe Israel Synagogue is the only synagogue located in Bridgetown (the capital) of Barbados and is one of the oldest synagogues in the Western hemisphere. The synagogue is proudly a Barbados National Trust property and was originally built in 1654 by the Jews who came from Brazil to pass on their expertise in the sugar industry. Later it was destroyed by a hurricane and was rebuilt, restored and is now an active synagogue. The present synagogue combines Jewish, Gothic Renaissance and Barbadian architectural features and adjacent to the synagogue is the 17th century cemetery.
Today, the 30th November, 2011 marks 45 years of Independence for Barbados! Here is a little history of Barbados for you - The English first settled in Holetown in 1627 and Barbados remained a British colony for over 300 years until achieving Independence from Britain on the 30th November, 1966. The first Independence ceremony was celebrated with the raising of the Barbados National Flag and the playing of the Barbados National Anthem!
So cheers to 45 years and many more as being an independent nation!
Situated in the parish of St. Andrew is Morgan Lewis Windmill. This windmill was the last operating windmill in Barbados - ceasing operation in 1945 - and was listed as a site on the World Monuments Watch List in 1996. This watch list is made up of 100 of the most endangered sites in the world and after being enlisted, a two year restoration was under taken to bring the mill back to its former glory. Take a look at the mill from two decades ago and what is looks like today!
Our second feature in this segment is Codrington College, which can be considered quite difficult to find and as we say "Off The Beaten Track". This college is perched on the picturesque hillside of St. John and a feeling of tranquility and serenity surrounds you as you enter the driveway lined with cabbage palm trees. Take a look below and indulge yourself in the beauty and wonder of Codrington College!
St. Nicholas Abbey, located in St. Peter, is one of the oldest homes in Barbados, surviving in almost its original state. Estimated to be built between 1650 and 1660, St. Nicholas Abbey was named after George Nicholas who automatically inherited (due to matrimonial law of the period) the house when he married Susanna Berringer, Daughter of Jehu. George soon ran into debt and in 1730 lost St. Nicholas. The house is currently owned by Barbadian architect Larry Warren.
