Historic Bridgetown - Barbados
Posted by: denben
N 13° 05.882 W 059° 37.150
21P E 215996 N 1449448
Barbados' capital city of Bridgetown and its Garrison is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since Saturday, June 25, 2011.
Waymark Code: WMNH0D
Location: Barbados
Date Posted: 03/15/2015
Views: 4
Bridgetown derived its name from the bridge that was constructed in the area by the original Amerindian settlers. The island was settled by the English in the 17th century and early deeds refer to the area as The Indian Bridge and The Indian Bridgetown.
Bridgetown was to become a key hub for trade and commerce with its harbour (Careenage) often filled with trading vessels. This city was also often the first port of call for ships making the trans-Atlantic crossing from Africa.
The colonial powers - England, France, Spain and Holland - were often at war over the prosperous islands of the Caribbean. Protecting the colonies was therefore of great importance and is reflected in the fortifications created along the western coast of Barbados.
The Barbados Garrison was the largest in the British Colonies in the 18th and 19th centuries. It began with the construction of St. Ann's Fort in 1705 and grew to include soldiers' barracks, a parade ground and commissariat.
Bridgetown and its Garrison continue to be a hive of social and commercial activity where historic buildings blend with modern amenities.
Our photos show the Old Town Hall, St. Mary's Church, Barbados Parliament Buildings and Chamberlain Bridge. The coordinates are from the Old Town Hall.
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