The island was uninhabited when first settled by the British in 1627. Slaves worked the sugar plantations established on the island until 1834 when slavery was abolished. The economy remained heavily dependent on sugar, rum, and molasses production through most of the 20th century. The gradual introduction of social and political reforms in the 1940s and 1950s led to complete independence from the UK in 1966. In the 1990s, tourism and manufacturing surpassed the sugar industry in economic importance.

Bridgetown - Capital

Barbados Museum

Housed in the former British Military Prison, the Barbados Museum is an excellent place to go to catch up on the history of the island though you'll have the place to yourself. The exhibits start from the time the coral island first appeared; briefly cover the history of the indigenous people of Barbados; the arrival of Europeans and African slaves and the culture of the island during the colonial period; the emancipation of slaves; independence from the British; and more recent history. There is an interactive children's section that the young ones will enjoy. A small concession serves cold drinks. B$11.5/B$5.75 Adults/Children.

St. Mary's Church Bridgetown, Barbados

The current Georgian building was constructed in 1827 but there has been a church here since 1630.

Careenage

Once a port for ships, the Careenage now houses restaurants, bars, and boutiques set in what used to be warehouses and and stores for ship supplies. Well protected from the open sea, walk along the Careenage with period buildings on one side and fishing and pleasure boats on the other, stop off for a rum at the Waterfront Cafe, and (with a bit of imagination!) you can almost step 150 years back in time!

Parliament

Broad Street, Barbados (Near Trafalgar Square). The neo-Gothic parliament buildings are open to the public when parliament is in session.

Broad Street

Swan Street

St. Mary's Church

Cheapside Market

Holetown

Holetown monument

A monument that commemorates the first English landing.

St. James Parish Church

The first church in Barbados, the St. James Parish church has been in continuous operation since 1628. Damaged and rebuilt many times thanks to hurricanes, the present structure dates from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.