The Garrison at Bridgetown
Charles Fort (1650) – Originally named ‘Needham’s Fort’, it was constructed in anticipation of an attack by the Republican forces of the then new ‘Commonwealth of England’. Renamed Charles Fort after the restoration of the Monarchy in 1660, it remained the largest of Barbados’ many sea defenses.
Bush Hill. Commanding Officers Quarters (C1717) – In 1751, George Washington (later to become 1st President of the USA) and his older brother rented this property. Acquired for the new Garrison in 1789, it was initially used as the residence of the Commander of the Royal Engineers and, later, as Commanding Officer’s Quarters. After the withdrawal of British Forces in 1905 the property moved into private ownership until Government purchased it in 1999. After a complete restoration it was re-opened in 2007 as ‘George Washington House.’
Commissariat Provision Store (C1795) – The earliest of three large warehouses, it remained the general provision store until 1893 when it housed the Garrison Dramatic Theatre until the withdrawal of British troops in 1905. Acquired by the Barbados Electric Supply Corporation in 1909 and renamed the ‘Barbados Light & Power Company Ltd’ in 1955, it remains their Headquarters.
Commissariat Rum Store (1804) – One of three large warehouses at the Garrison, this was built to contain 500 puncheons of rum (35,000 gallons). After the withdrawal of British forces in 1905 it became a guest house and, in the 1930’s, a hotel.
Main Guard (1804) – Located at the center of the Garrison, this building was also used for courts martial. After the withdrawal of British Forces in 1905, it became the private ‘Savannah Club’ until Government purchased it in 1989 for use by the Barbados Defence Force.
Shot Hall. Commander of the Royal Engineers Quarters (C1800) – Originally a private estate the land and building was acquired for the Garrison in 1802 to form the ‘Lower Arsenal’. In 1810, the building was converted into the residence of the Commander of the Royal Engineers and became known as ‘Shot Hall’. Privately owned since 1906, it was a hotel before the Yacht Club purchased the property in 1926.
Royal Artillery Barracks (1812) – Originally constructed to accommodate the Royal Engineers, they soon shared space with the Royal Artillery who, by the mid-1830’s, were the sole residents. Sold in 1906,
Military Prison (1818, 1853) – Originally construct for capacity of 12, it was expanded in 1853 to accommodate up to 75 prisoners. In 1933 it became the home to the Barbados Museum and Historical Society.
Ordinance Hospital Ward (1808) – This building served as the main hospital ward. After the abolition of the Ordnance Department in 1855 the building was used as officers’ recreational rooms and library. After the withdrawal of British forces in 1905, it went into private ownership.
Soldiers Brick Barracks A (1808) – Constructed to accommodate 400 soldiers. Purchased by Government in 1912 for use as apartments and later as government offices.
