For it was on the 5th of July 1628 that 64 settlers headed by Charles Wolverstone arrived. The location of Bridgetown was one of convenience as this was found to be the most suitable place for a port. Its swampy lands however made it a place many considered ill for ones health by many visitors. in spite of these opinions building after building was erected and the town spread itself out on the land around it.
The name Bridgetown of course came from what came to be known as the "Indian Bridge:" this was a bridge that had been constructed by the early inhabitants of the island, the Amerindians. In very early deeds the town is referred to as "The Indian Bridge", "The Indian Bridgetown" or simply just "The Bridge".
Around 1660 the town came to be called "St Michaels Town" and also "Doncaster". The name Doncaster was after the Earl of Carlisle
The principle streets in Bridgetown were originally laid out by John Swan and in keeping with tradition Swan street was named after him. For those of you who know Swan Street today you will know Swan Street is full of local color. The street runs parallel to Broad Street which is the main street (see its description bellow)
The streets are now made of brick and lined with large plant pots.
The street is also line the streets and can be often heard with shouting the sales pitches such as "Oranges two for one get your oranges 2 for one" Or T-Shirts sold here every colour, buy 2 and get one free". Fruit, clothes, shoes, perfumes, CD's & DVD's its all there and that is just on the street. The stores of themselves Cary many of the same items and if you take your time visiting each store you can save yourself a few bucks.
Broad Street was original named Broad Street as it was the broadest street in the town. In fact it still is the broadest street in Bridgetown. The street was once part of Cheapside because it was part of the Market and later in the 17th century referred to as "The Exchange Street" because the merchants exchange was there.
Broad Street is also the main street which passes right through the centre of the city. It passes by The Parliament buildings and is the definite centre of the capital's shopping area.
Today Broad Street is where you will not only find the island's largest department stores, shopping malls and duty free shops but also banks and business offices. This is where you will do most of your duty free shopping in Barbados
In the early years the streets in town were ill kept and in 1656 legislature passed and act where persons not keeping the space in front of their property clean could be fined 100 pounds of sugar for each day of noncompliance.
In 1657 many of the streets that had before gone unnamed were finally given names. Many of these streets have since disappeared often due to fire but there are a few left.
In 1654 Bridgetown's population was roughly 2,000 and it contained more than 100 drinking houses. This meant the ration was one drinking house to 20 citizens. This was seen to constitute a moral or social danger and so steps were taken to suppress all unlicensed drinking houses and to confiscate licences held by persons considered unfit to hold them. Thomas Walduck who lived in Barbados in the earlier 18th century was probably not far off from the truth when he jokingly asserted that the first institution the English established in a new colony was a drinking house. The Spaniards and Church and the Dutch a fort.
The Bridgetown settlers erected a Church in 1630 It was a small wooden building and could accomodate no more than 100 persons In 1660 this building was found inadequate and in 1665 a larger one that was built of stone was completed. By the 19th century the population of Bridgetown had risen to 20,000 and the first Bishop of Barbados Bishop Coleridge recognized the need for an additional church in the town. in 1827 the St Marys Church was completed.first Bishop
Lakes Folly
At the rear of St Mary's church lies the district of Lakes Folly. On the 5th of March 1773 a gang called the "True Blue Gang" 12 armed men in number marched forth from this area and went on a rampage through town assaulting everyone they met. They killed two people and seriously wounded a third.seriously
On the night before their escapade they gathered together and formed an association and took an oath to stand by one another to death. To seal this unholy bond they punctured their arms with a shoemaker awl letting 3 drops of blood each fall into a bowl of gun powder, brimstone and rum. they then each drank dome of this evil ridden potion
The Town Constable was given a special warrant and a posse went after the gang in their lair. One was shot and badly injured while the other 11 were arrested and sent to trial.
Bridgetown's Former Swamp and the Constitution River were constantly a putrid topic. The ground was somewhat lower within the land and the spring tide flowed over making the land become a kind of bog than not only produces a unholy sent but was said to cause many illnesses. As recent as 1908 there was a decree made a Public heath Act that prohibited people from disturbing the waters of the constitution river, for once the waters were stirred a stench so horrid arose that some might say would raise the dead from their graves. Finally after many years in 1962 the swamp was filled in and replaced with a canal.
The lower part of the Constitution is called the Careenage. The presence of this arm out into the sea was undoubtedly one of the principal factors that influenced settlers in electing Bridgetown as its chosen town. Its banks particularly those adjacent to the town were originally beach like and were dotted with loading places suitable for loading merchandise. It was named the Careenage because it was there years ago that the ships were careened on to a side to be repaired
At some early date stepping stones were placed along some part of the shore for the convenience of foot passengers. The waterfront here subsequently came to be called "the Stepping Stones" Later on in the mid 19th century when a wharf was built, it became known as "The Stepping Stones Wharf" . This is the area that is located adjacent to the Nelson statue.
The Bridgetown dry dock was built in 1887. The dock of itself was constructed between 1889and 1893. After the dock yard changed hands several times and being used during the second world war by the British navy to salvage and repair vessels the dock yard went into receivership and closed in 1985. The screw lifting dock in Barbados reportedly was the last of its kind in the world. The Screw Lifting Dock was a masterful piece of engineering. Measuring 240 feet long by 46 feet wide, it was capable of lifting 1,200 tons dead weight.
It is not generally known that the upper end of the Pier-head was originally a small Island known as "Little Island. It was first owned by a Dutchman but was later sold to a tenant for a certain sum of cotton.
Following a raid on the coat of Barbados by pirates in 1650 coastal areas of Barbados were Fortified and in 1656 Willoughby Fort was constructed. The construction was carried out by William Withington who was paid 80,000 pounds of sugar.
Nelson street contrary to popular belief was not named after Admiral nelson but after a resident in the neighbourhood. A will listing the name of the street was written 2 years before Admiral Nelson was born. Nelson street itself was a residential area since the 18th century.
James Fort one of the Islands oldest fortifications being built in 1650 was equipped with 20 pieces of ordinance. For many years after the fire of 1668 the Legislature used to meet in taverns however in 1699 the Government decided to have a building erected in the vicinity of James Fort as a meeting place. The building was receded in 1701 but was turned into a prison in 1704 because of the urgent need of one but prisoners often escaped as the building was not designed as a prison. One day in 1714 every prisoner but one escaped. It was not until 1729 that a more secure prison was built.
In upper Broad Street approximately on what is now Chamberlain Place there stood one of Bridgetown's most controversial institutions- the Common Cage. The Cage was established as a place of minor offenders. The cage was introduced by Governor Bell but was abolished after Belles departure. A new cage was built in 1654 and in 1688 there was an act passed that when runaway slaves were captured they were to be detained in the Common Cage. The Cage was usually equipped with a pillory and whipping post. After many appeals to remove the cage it was finally moved in 1818 to pierhead and was finally abolished in 1838
The lower part of the Constitution is called the Careenage. The presence of this arm out into the sea was undoubtedly one of the principal factors that influenced settlers in electing Bridgetown as its chosen town. Its banks particularly those adjacent to the town were originally beach like and were dotted with loading places suitable for loading merchandise. It was named the Careenage because it was there years ago that the ships were careened on to a side to be repaired
At some early date stepping stones were placed along some part of the shore for the convenience of foot passengers. The waterfront here subsequently came to be called "the Stepping Stones" Later on in the mid 19th century when a wharf was built, it became known as "The Stepping Stones Wharf" . This is the area that is located adjacent to the Nelson statue.
The Bridgetown dry dock was built in 1887. The dock of itself was constructed between 1889and 1893. After the dock yard changed hands several times and being used during the second world war by the British navy to salvage and repair vessels the dock yard went into receivership and closed in 1985. The screw lifting dock in Barbados reportedly was the last of its kind in the world. The Screw Lifting Dock was a masterful piece of engineering. Measuring 240 feet long by 46 feet wide, it was capable of lifting 1,200 tons dead weight.
It is not generally known that the upper end of the Pier-head was originally a small Island known as "Little Island. It was first owned by a Dutchman but was later sold to a tenant for a certain sum of cotton.
Following a raid on the coat of Barbados by pirates in 1650 coastal areas of Barbados were Fortified and in 1656 Willoughby Fort was constructed. The construction was carried out by William Withington who was paid 80,000 pounds of sugar.
Nelson street contrary to popular belief was not named after Admiral nelson but after a resident in the neighbourhood. A will listing the name of the street was written 2 years before Admiral Nelson was born. Nelson street itself was a residential area since the 18th century.
James Fort one of the Islands oldest fortifications being built in 1650 was equipped with 20 pieces of ordinance. For many years after the fire of 1668 the Legislature used to meet in taverns however in 1699 the Government decided to have a building erected in the vicinity of James Fort as a meeting place. The building was receded in 1701 but was turned into a prison in 1704 because of the urgent need of one but prisoners often escaped as the building was not designed as a prison. One day in 1714 every prisoner but one escaped. It was not until 1729 that a more secure prison was built.
In upper Broad Street approximately on what is now Chamberlain Place there stood one of Bridgetown's most controversial institutions- the Common Cage. The Cage was established as a place of minor offenders. The cage was introduced by Governor Bell but was abolished after Belles departure. A new cage was built in 1654 and in 1688 there was an act passed that when runaway slaves were captured they were to be detained in the Common Cage. The Cage was usually equipped with a pillory and whipping post. After many appeals to remove the cage it was finally moved in 1818 to pierhead and was finally abolished in 1838
The Bridges of Bridgetown
The first bridge of Bridgetown was built by the first inhabitants of the Island. the Amerindian bridge was in fact responsible for the name of the town as it was the town with the bridge. It was a primitive bridge and was replaced in 1628.
Between 1628 & 1675 There was only one bridge and in that time it was destroyed by fire and hurricane several times and then rebuilt. In 1681 a second bridge was erected because of the great inconvenience cause when there damage done to the other bridge. The West bridge was located roughly were the Indian or swing bridge was later located and The East bridge was located roughly where the Duncan O'Neal bridge now stands.
The West bridge was carried away by floods in 1700 and in 1746 a single span stone bridge was erected on completion in 1751. Unfortunately as soon as the wooden structures were removed the bridge collapsed blocking the channel. Those who built the bridge were prosecuted and a wooden bridge for pedestrians was then erected.
The East bridge by this time was was showing signs of age and a new east bridge was built in 1776. Then in 1780 a hurricane destroyed the west bridge and severely damaged the East bridge. the West bridge was replaced and the East bridge repaired. Then disaster struck again on November the 8th 1795 Barbados experienced the worse flooding it had ever faced. Thunderstorms and heavy rain fell unceasingly for almost 48 hours. A great mass of water meet the spring tide, flooding the town to a depth of 5 feet in several areas and demolishing both bridges. Between that time and 1865 the cycle of damage and rebuilding continued until in 1865 after the fire of 1860 and the redevelopment of Trafalgar square. At this time a swing bridge was built to allow fairly large ships to come into the inner basin. The building of the bridge was said to have been the greatest mismanagement and waste age of public funds in 19th century.
Both bridges were damaged in the hurricane on 1898. The swing bridge was closed and reopened in 1900 by Governor Chamberlains wife and so then named the Chamberlain bridge. The West bridge then called the Victoria bridge was replaced by an Iron bridge in 1901-02 and the present structure that now stands in its place was built in 1967 and is named after Dr. Charles Duncan O'Neal "Father of the Democratic Movement"
A arch was erected on the Southern end of the Chamberlin bridge to celebrate the Islands 21st anniversary of Independence. A lift bridge has now replaced the bridge but like its predecessor funds were greatly wasted. It was hoped that the new bridge would once again allow ships to enter the inner basin as the swing bridge had before it ceased working. Unfortunately it was badly installed and only one side of the bridge
works.
Fires of Bridgetown
The first major conflaration occured in 1659 and more than 200 homes and storehouses were destroyed. following that fore a statue was was enacted with a number or regulations designed to reduce the risk of fire in the capital. Houses were not to be thatched and if this was done the persons commiting the offence would be fined 5,000 pounds of sugar. The statue was later proven ineffective and the second major fire broke out in 1688 fires broke out and spead to Magazine lane. This is where armour was stored and a building containing 170 barrels of gunpowder caught fire causeing a explosion that spead the destruction over a greater part of the town. More than 800 houses were destroyed and 80% of Bridgetown was totally destroyed and valuable public records were lost. Another statue was was quickley inacted and this one stipulated what materials were to be used in the construction of the new buildings. the lessons of the past had not been learned and in 1673 another fire broke out. this time only 40 houses were destroyed. The next fire was more than 80 years later it started in a storehouse containing a shipment of cotton and spread to engulfed James Fort and in the end 160 houses were destroyed. Two years later 90 houses were consumed by yet another fire.
In 1766 a gentleman fell asleep left a candel burning soon the house was on fire and with the aid of a strong northeasterly breeze the fire quickley spread. Over 26 arces and 1,140 buildings were destroyed and the land left smoldering
Bridgetowns next big fire occured in 1821 followed by one in 1826. The fire that followed these two in 1845 that started in Tudor street destoyed 10 ares of land and the buildings on them this became known as the "Burt Distict". In 1853 the area of Roebuck street burt and 97 buildings were destroyed this became known as the "New Burt District" and the former the "Old Burt District". The next fire major fire in Bridgetown was not reported until 1910
Today Barbados number one source of foreign income is the tourism industry. It is known across the world as a ideal holiday spot. Hotels can no longer be found in Bridgetown today but spread up and down the Islands South and West Coast. The accommodation and hotels of today are much different to their predecessors that once existed in Bridgetown.
One of the most talked about hotels of its time in Barbados was owned by Rachel Lauder. Rachel was the daughter of an African Slave and Lauder a Scotsman who had left England in disgrace. Lauder was the Latin teacher and Harrison's College. As his daughter Rachel grew into maturity her physical charms attracted her father and that when she refused her fathers advances he handed over to the whipper who was usually employed to punish unruly slaves. Rumor has it that Rachel was saved by the intervention of Mr Thomas Pringle an officer of the Royal Navy who then purchased her freedom at a high price. Rachel then took on the name of her protector. the relationship is said to have ended when Rachel trying to hold on to Pringels affections presented a child to Pringle on one of his visits claiming that the child was their child together. Her plan was spoiled when the child's mother came forward and demanded its return. Pringle saw the light and left Rachel forever.
Rachel quickly found another protector and adopted his name in 1780 Rachel Pringle Polgreen opened a hotel in Canary Street. The American Revolutionary War being in full swing and France fighting on the side of the United States meant that there was considerable military and naval presence in the Caribbean. In 1786 Prince William Henry Duke of Clarence and Later King William visited Barbados while serving as a naval captain. The Price took rooms at Rachel's hotel and it is said that one night after wining and dining with a party of officers that the prince and his companions proceeded to wreck the establishment. They even knocked Rachel who was heavy set and well endowed off her chair. Rachel took it all quiet well and gave only a mild protest but the next day before the Price sailed she presented him a bill for 700 sterling which he paid without question. Rachel took the money and maid grand repairs to the hotel and renamed it the Royal Naval Hotel in honour of her Royal guest.
On Rachel's death the hotel passed into the hands of Nancy Clarke. Nancy was however a person of very different character from her predecessor. Purely out of jealousy she once destroyed the beauty of an attractive rival by throwing nitric acid in her face. the tragic accident inspired a song
"If you go to Nancy Clarke,
She will take you in the dark
When she get you in the dark
She will give you aqua forits (Acid)"
Nancy's principal rival in business at the time would have been Betsy (or Susy) Austin another free coloured woman. Betsy was a massively built woman who had a taste for alcoholic beverages and a colourful vocabulary. She nevertheless was said to have kept an orderly house. She sold a variety of jellies and drip stones (cut from limestone and used for filtering water) which she sold for 50% above their value. It is said that when questioned about her prices that her disposition would quickly change and one wold then become acquainted with her colourful vocabulary.
There were many other hoteliers that followed some of them being: Sabrina Bade, Betsy Austin, Hannah Lewis, Hannah Massiah, Rebbecca Phillips, Caroline Lee, Mrs Roach, Miss McAlpine & Mrs Forte.
It was recorded by a visiting Dr. Dr Pinkard that the female slaved who formed the domestic staff at these establishments were permitted to engage in prostitution as this offered their only hope of raising money to purchase manumission. "freedom".
One of the most talked about hotels of its time in Barbados was owned by Rachel Lauder. Rachel was the daughter of an African Slave and Lauder a Scotsman who had left England in disgrace. Lauder was the Latin teacher and Harrison's College. As his daughter Rachel grew into maturity her physical charms attracted her father and that when she refused her fathers advances he handed over to the whipper who was usually employed to punish unruly slaves. Rumor has it that Rachel was saved by the intervention of Mr Thomas Pringle an officer of the Royal Navy who then purchased her freedom at a high price. Rachel then took on the name of her protector. the relationship is said to have ended when Rachel trying to hold on to Pringels affections presented a child to Pringle on one of his visits claiming that the child was their child together. Her plan was spoiled when the child's mother came forward and demanded its return. Pringle saw the light and left Rachel forever.
Rachel quickly found another protector and adopted his name in 1780 Rachel Pringle Polgreen opened a hotel in Canary Street. The American Revolutionary War being in full swing and France fighting on the side of the United States meant that there was considerable military and naval presence in the Caribbean. In 1786 Prince William Henry Duke of Clarence and Later King William visited Barbados while serving as a naval captain. The Price took rooms at Rachel's hotel and it is said that one night after wining and dining with a party of officers that the prince and his companions proceeded to wreck the establishment. They even knocked Rachel who was heavy set and well endowed off her chair. Rachel took it all quiet well and gave only a mild protest but the next day before the Price sailed she presented him a bill for 700 sterling which he paid without question. Rachel took the money and maid grand repairs to the hotel and renamed it the Royal Naval Hotel in honour of her Royal guest.
On Rachel's death the hotel passed into the hands of Nancy Clarke. Nancy was however a person of very different character from her predecessor. Purely out of jealousy she once destroyed the beauty of an attractive rival by throwing nitric acid in her face. the tragic accident inspired a song
"If you go to Nancy Clarke,
She will take you in the dark
When she get you in the dark
She will give you aqua forits (Acid)"
Nancy's principal rival in business at the time would have been Betsy (or Susy) Austin another free coloured woman. Betsy was a massively built woman who had a taste for alcoholic beverages and a colourful vocabulary. She nevertheless was said to have kept an orderly house. She sold a variety of jellies and drip stones (cut from limestone and used for filtering water) which she sold for 50% above their value. It is said that when questioned about her prices that her disposition would quickly change and one wold then become acquainted with her colourful vocabulary.
There were many other hoteliers that followed some of them being: Sabrina Bade, Betsy Austin, Hannah Lewis, Hannah Massiah, Rebbecca Phillips, Caroline Lee, Mrs Roach, Miss McAlpine & Mrs Forte.
It was recorded by a visiting Dr. Dr Pinkard that the female slaved who formed the domestic staff at these establishments were permitted to engage in prostitution as this offered their only hope of raising money to purchase manumission. "freedom".
The Parliament Buildings
In 1668 the State House where the Barbados Legislature met was destroyed by fire and the convening of the "house" was shifted to a tavern. As one may well imagine many saw it as quite indecent for the legislature to convene the house in a tavern. Along with the concern of having the legislature meet in a tavern there was the concern of properly housing public records. For decades the public records of Barbados had been poorly stored in government offices.
The first State house to be erected after this time was within the precincts of James Fort but this soon had to be given over to be a prison as there was a greater and more pressing need in this area, the building of itself was erected in 1701. It was not until well over a century later that the Parliament Buildings would be erected. In 1871 The West Building was completed followed by the East building in 1874.
There was a slight set back in 1884 when the tower that had been built on the east building to accommodate the clock and a peal of bells began to sink. The Tower was then constructed on the west building and the clock relocated. The Clock details are made of copper and is 7 feet in diameter. The pendulum is 14 feet long and the bell weighs 20 hundred weight. The clock is constructed in a manner that it can continue going while being wound and is designed to run for 8 days.
The stained glass windows in the east building depict British Sovereigns from James I to Queen Victoria and include Oliver Cromwell. These were made by the London Firm Messers Clayton and Bell. The windows of the Senate Chamber depict the armorial bearings of past Presidents of Council and Speakers of the Assembly. On the main stairway of the West building there were to stained glass windows that bore the biblical quotation "Render to Cesar the things that are Cesar's". These were originally situated in the East Building appropriately over the customs department which was originally housed there.
It is also notable to mention that the house of Assembly in Barbados was started in 1639 and is in fact the third oldest in the world. It was started by Governor Hawley. Hawley himself was known the scheming and relentless and later became known as one of the most notorious figures in Barbados History. He was the successor of Governor Tufton who had in fact done much good for the Island, despite this Hawley had him arrested and tried on trumped up charges. Sadly Tufton was later executed for treason due to Hawleys charges. It was after the First Earl of Carlisle died that the Second Earl of Carlisle realizing the blight that Hawley was tried to remove him and the frequently absent Governor Hawley then tried to win favour with Barbadian land owners by starting the House of Assembly. In 1840 after giving much opposition he was removed as Governor of Barbados.
The Mutual Building
The Mutual Building in lower Broad Street is a magnificent Victorian that boasts 3 stories was built between 1894 and 1895. The original name was The Barbados Insurance Society Building. Large domes and a second story veranda that surrounds the entire building are some of the buildings’ characteristics.
This wonderful old structure once housed The Mutual Bank of the Caribbean. It was sold to the Bank of Butterfield in December 2003 and is still located within The Mutual Building.
The Nelson Statue
The Fountain
Piped water was introduced into Barbados in 1861 and it recommended that to celebrate this occasion. it was not until In the April of 1865 a fountain was completed. It weights 1 and 3/4 tons and requires 2,000 gallons of water to run from 8 o'clock in the morning to dusk.
The Montefiore Fountain
The Montefiore Fountain which was a Drinking Fountain was presented to Bridgetown in 1864 by H John Montefiore in memory of his father. On each side is a marble allegorical figure representing fortitude, temperance, patience and justice: with the following inscriptions: "Look to the end; Be sober minded: To bear is to conquer; Do wrong to no one. It was originally located in Beackwith Place but is now located in Coleridge Street.
The Cenotaph
The Cenotaph is located in what was once the "Fountain Garden" and now "National Hero's Square". It was erected in 1925 in memory of those who died in the First World War and in 1953 the names of those who died in the Second World War were also added.
In 1668 the State House where the Barbados Legislature met was destroyed by fire and the convening of the "house" was shifted to a tavern. As one may well imagine many saw it as quite indecent for the legislature to convene the house in a tavern. Along with the concern of having the legislature meet in a tavern there was the concern of properly housing public records. For decades the public records of Barbados had been poorly stored in government offices.
The first State house to be erected after this time was within the precincts of James Fort but this soon had to be given over to be a prison as there was a greater and more pressing need in this area, the building of itself was erected in 1701. It was not until well over a century later that the Parliament Buildings would be erected. In 1871 The West Building was completed followed by the East building in 1874.
There was a slight set back in 1884 when the tower that had been built on the east building to accommodate the clock and a peal of bells began to sink. The Tower was then constructed on the west building and the clock relocated. The Clock details are made of copper and is 7 feet in diameter. The pendulum is 14 feet long and the bell weighs 20 hundred weight. The clock is constructed in a manner that it can continue going while being wound and is designed to run for 8 days.
The stained glass windows in the east building depict British Sovereigns from James I to Queen Victoria and include Oliver Cromwell. These were made by the London Firm Messers Clayton and Bell. The windows of the Senate Chamber depict the armorial bearings of past Presidents of Council and Speakers of the Assembly. On the main stairway of the West building there were to stained glass windows that bore the biblical quotation "Render to Cesar the things that are Cesar's". These were originally situated in the East Building appropriately over the customs department which was originally housed there.
It is also notable to mention that the house of Assembly in Barbados was started in 1639 and is in fact the third oldest in the world. It was started by Governor Hawley. Hawley himself was known the scheming and relentless and later became known as one of the most notorious figures in Barbados History. He was the successor of Governor Tufton who had in fact done much good for the Island, despite this Hawley had him arrested and tried on trumped up charges. Sadly Tufton was later executed for treason due to Hawleys charges. It was after the First Earl of Carlisle died that the Second Earl of Carlisle realizing the blight that Hawley was tried to remove him and the frequently absent Governor Hawley then tried to win favour with Barbadian land owners by starting the House of Assembly. In 1840 after giving much opposition he was removed as Governor of Barbados.
The Mutual Building
The Mutual Building in lower Broad Street is a magnificent Victorian that boasts 3 stories was built between 1894 and 1895. The original name was The Barbados Insurance Society Building. Large domes and a second story veranda that surrounds the entire building are some of the buildings’ characteristics.
This wonderful old structure once housed The Mutual Bank of the Caribbean. It was sold to the Bank of Butterfield in December 2003 and is still located within The Mutual Building.
The Nelson Statue
The Fountain
Piped water was introduced into Barbados in 1861 and it recommended that to celebrate this occasion. it was not until In the April of 1865 a fountain was completed. It weights 1 and 3/4 tons and requires 2,000 gallons of water to run from 8 o'clock in the morning to dusk.
The Montefiore Fountain
The Montefiore Fountain which was a Drinking Fountain was presented to Bridgetown in 1864 by H John Montefiore in memory of his father. On each side is a marble allegorical figure representing fortitude, temperance, patience and justice: with the following inscriptions: "Look to the end; Be sober minded: To bear is to conquer; Do wrong to no one. It was originally located in Beackwith Place but is now located in Coleridge Street.
The Cenotaph
No comments:
Post a Comment