Some Places of Interest

On the eastern side of Barbados in the parish of St. Joseph lies a garden of beautiful and exotic flowers and trees. Named after a Greek mythical princess of Ethiopia, the six acre Andromeda Botanical Gardens is home to several varieties of orchids, palms, ferns, heliconia, hibiscus, bougainvillea, begonias and cacti. A stream flowing through the garden enhances its beauty with enchanting pools and waterfalls. ‘Andromeda’ is the handiwork of local horticulturalist Mrs. Iris Bannochie, who, upon her death bequeathed the gardens to the Barbados National Trust.

Codrington College, an Anglican Theological College, first opened in 1745. It was bequeathed by Christopher Codrington III to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. Students come from all over the West Indies to study in the peace and tranquility of this lovely old place. It is an architectural and historical gem.

Farley Hill National Park was converted into such after fire, in 1965, ravaged the once majestic mansion that adorned its grounds. Farley Hill’s mansion was built by Sir Graham Briggs to facilitate the entertaining of his guest Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, during the latter’s visit in 1861, and other subsequent Royal visitors including Princes Albert, Victor and George, who was later crowned King George V of England. Farley Hill Mansion was used in the filming of the 1957 motion picture "Island in the Sun" because of its picturesque setting. The gutted remains of the mansion still keep vigil over magnificent east coast.

Gun Hill (Briggs Hill) Signal Station, was the largest of the military outposts in Barbados. The name Gun Hill probably goes back nearly 300 years to 1697, when in the Militia Act, Briggs Hill, was named as one of the four places where cannons were to be placed to sound the alarm should there be an invasion. The signal station was the key link in the chain of stations established in 1818–1819. Tthe typical 'Hill Station' of the tropics, Gun Hill was also used as a convalescent station for the troops, and for evacuation of the Garrison in times of epidemic. After the signal stations ceased operations, Gun Hill’s buildings (the tower, kitchen, magazine, sentry box and barracks) fell into complete disrepair. No mention of Gun Hill is completer without reference to it’s famous LION which proudly stands on the hillside below. The ruins of Gun Hill Signal station were restored by the Barbados National Trust after they leased the station from the government in 1981.

Located near Welchman Hall Gully, Harrison’s Cave was opened in November 1981 by the Government of Barbados. It is believed that Harrison’s Cave is the only cave in the world where running water is found along with colour crystal-like formations. The cave has large chambers, stalagmites, stalactites, lakes, streams and waterfalls.

Morgan Lewis Mill is the last remaining windmill on the island. It still has the roundhouse, tail tree and points. For a small fee, visitors can view the mill and its display of paraphernalia used in the production of sugar in bygone days. The mill is the property of the Barbados National Trust.

A fine example of Jacobean styling, Nicholas Abbey is thought to be one of three such Plantation Great Houses of that period still standing in the Americas. Built in 1650, Nicholas Abbey is believed to be the oldest house in Barbados.

Known as “King’s House” prior to the succession of Queen Victoria, Queen’s Park was the residence of the General commanding the British Troops in the West Indies. On June 10, 1909 it was opened to the public after it was taken over by Government, following the withdrawal of the British Regiment from the island during the early 20th century, and it’s control vested in the then Vestry of St. Michael and turned into a park. Today Queen’s Park falls under the direction of the National Conservation Commission. One of the largest trees, if not the largest tree in Barbados can be found in the grounds of the Park. This tree, a “Baobab”, is 61.5 feet (approximately 18m) in circumference, and is estimated to be over one thousand years old. A native tree of Africa, no one knows how this Baobab ever got to Barbados.

Welchman Hall Gully is a botanical garden, owned by the National Trust. The gully is a garden of fruit, spice-bearing trees and natural caves. In one of the caves a huge pillar, formed from the joining of a stalactite and stalagmite, appears to hold up a rock cliff. With a diameter of 1.2m. this natural column is among the largest in the world.