Garrison Barracks - Fun Barbados Sights

Barbados Garrison Barracks - A UNESCO World Heritage Site

For some 126 years the historic Garrison area in Barbados served as a British Garrison. It was the first in the West Indies boasting one of the oldest Militias in British Commonwealth.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the second oldest Garrison of its kind, featuring buildings of historical and architectural interest dating back to the 1660s through to the 1800s.

The area became the military headquarters for the Imperial Forces stationed on the island until 1905, and as one of the most fortified islands of the British West Indies, you will find many forts and batteries which operated during that period.

Below are some buildings within Barbados’ Garrison, used as barracks and quarters to house soldiers and officers of the British Regiment stationed on the island at that time.

We’ve used St Ann’s Garrison Savannah as the central focal point to provide locations.

Properties/Buildings used as Barracks/Quarters/Residences
in the Garrison Historic Area

Soldiers Brick Barracks - Block A & B
Both were built in 1808 and each housed 400 soldiers. After being damaged by hurricane in 1831, it was purchased by Government in 1902 and was used as apartments and later government offices.

Block A now house the Head Office of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC)

LOCATION: Dalkeith Road area, The Garrison, St Michael
DIRECTIONS: Along the Northeastern border of the Garrison Savannah (near the Barbados Museum)
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Officers Brick Barracks - Block C (Town & Country Planning Offices)
Now the Town & Country Planning Development Office, this building once housed 250 officers and was built in 1808. In 1912 it was purchased by government and converted to government offices.

LOCATION: Dalkeith Road area, The Garrison, St Michael
DIRECTIONS: Along the Eastern border of the Garrison Savannah (near the Barbados Museum)
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Royal Artillery Soldiers Barracks (Stafford House)
Known today as Stafford House, this building was originally the Royal Artillery Soldiers Barracks (aka Ordnance Barracks) and was built in 1812.

After the 2^nd floor was damaged by hurricane in 1831, the arches on the 2^nd storey were added. Later it became home to the military band and in 1906 it was converted to a guest house and then apartments.

After some restoration during the early 1980s the building was used for commercial offices.

Stafford House is not open for public viewing.

The Royal Artillery Officers Quarters is located next door at what is now “Horseshoe Manor”.

LOCATION: Bush Hill area, The Garrison, St Michael
DIRECTIONS: Along the Southwestern border of the Garrison Savannah (next to the Main Guard)
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Royal Artillery Officers Barracks (Horseshoe Manor)
This building was originally the Royal Artillery Officers Quarters during the early 1820s. It now house the Grand Bay Taxi Service and the Garrison Fitness Gym.

LOCATION: Bush Hill area, The Garrison, St Michael
DIRECTIONS: Along the Southwestern border of the Garrison Savannah (near the Main Guard/next to Stafford House)
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Soldiers Barracks & Officers Stone Barracks at St Ann’s Fort
Both built in the 1700s

LOCATION: St Ann’s Fort, Hastings/Bay Street area, The Garrison, St Michael (Highway 7)
DIRECTIONS: Along the Southern border of the Garrison Savannah (near the Main Guard)
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Brigade Major’s Quarters (Brigade House)
During the early 1800s this building was used as the Bridge Major’s Quarters and later the residence for the Chaplin of the nearby Garrison Chapel.

In 1905 the property was sold and has since been used as a Senior Citizens Home, for accommodations and a restaurant. It was later restored and called the Brigade House Medical Centre.

The building was originally one storey, but after it was sold an additional two storey section was added.

LOCATION: Corner of Dalkeith Road & Hastings Road, The Garrison, St Michael
DIRECTIONS: Along the Southeastern border of the Garrison Savannah (near the Main Guard & Hastings Police Station)
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Resident Engineer & Commanding Officers Quarters at George Washington House (Bush Hill House)
British Military Regimental Quarters from 1713

LOCATION: Bush Hill area, The Garrison, St Michael
DIRECTIONS: Along the Southwestern border of the Garrison Savannah (next to the Main Guard)
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Residence/Quaters of the Chief Officer Commanding the Royal Engineers at Barbados Yacht Club (Shot Hall)

LOCATION: Bay Street, St Michael (Highway 7)
DIRECTIONS: West of the Garrison Savannah

These properties are now part of the Barbados Garrison Historic Area.
…A UNESCO World Heritage Site

NOTE: The buildings listed above are not open for general public viewing or tours

Click here for Tours of the Historic Garrison area…