This is an authentic staging of an activity which takes place in front of the 1804 Main Guard (Clock Tower), still known today as ‘The Main Guard’. This procedure would have been performed numerous times a day across the entire site where the Main Guard administered five other guard rooms and eight sentry posts. The men taking part in this ‘re-enactment’ are all retired military personnel and members of the Barbados legion who also have their headquarters here at the Main Guard. The routine and training is administered by the Barbados Defence Force which also provides the weaponry.
The colourful ‘Zouave’ uniform worn in this exercise was originally sanctioned for the famous West India Regiments by Queen Victoria in 1858, after she had admired it on the ‘Zouave Algerian tribe’ which had been incorporated into the French Army at the time. The uniform was retained by the Band of the Barbados Volunteer Force (now the Barbados Defence Force Band) when the West India Regiments were disbanded after 132 years of service, in 1927. The only other Commonwealth military unit to wear this uniform is the Jamaica Military Band; which is directly descended from the last of the former West India Regiments.
This activity takes place at 12 noon, every Thursday on April 10, 17, 24 and May 01 2014 and from June 05 2014 – March 26 2015. PRICE - FREE of charge.
Fully Loaded Bar OPEN from 11.30 am and Souvenirs and Crafts also on sale.
This guided walking tour takes place every other Friday, as of November 22nd 2013, from 7 pm. A bit of a thriller, this tour focuses on the macabre side of life in the Garrison.
Murders, executions, crimes and punishments!
The tour will also explain:
- Details of the construction of the unfinished Garrison Fortress 1789 – 1793.
- How ‘Graves End Beach’ got its name.
You will also experience several short dramas en route including:
- A re-enactment of the execution by firing squad of a freed slave at the Military Cemetery.
- The unsolved John Hislop murder of 1809.
This activity takes place from 7 – 9 pm every other Friday as of May 16, 2014. PRICE – Adult US$10, Child US$5.
A guided tour! This exciting excursion allows you to travel back in time, in air-conditioned comfort, through Barbados’ Historic Garrison, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to 1650, the site is thought to be home to the most intact, and authentic 18th and 19th century British Garrison complex in the world. See how the history of the Barbados Garrison was influenced by Cromwell, George Washington, and The American War of Independence! See where a young George Washington, in 1751, was exposed to British military strategy as he inspected the nearby ‘Charles Fort’ (1650) and ‘St. Ann’s Fort’ (1707). Learn how the Garrison, established in 1789, became the centre of British regional defence for more than 100 years.
The tour includes:
- The famous George Washington House (c1717) where young George spent 6 weeks of his life.
- An exciting live video commentary from the recently rediscovered ‘Garrison tunnels’ (c1820).
- Charles Fort, built to protect Carlisle Bay from attack.
- The National Armoury Museum; a former Powder Magazine (c1800) which now houses for the World’s finest collection of 17th century English iron cannon.
- The Mess at St. Ann’s Fort for a drink and a snack (1 rum punch or 1 fruit punch ).
- A visit to the military prison 1818-1905 (Barbados Museum). Experience a prison cell and visit the finest heritage gift shop in the Garrison.
- The ‘Changing of the Sentry’ (the Barbadian version of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace) at the Main Guard (1804).
This tour takes place from 9:15am to 12:15pm every Thursday beginning 5th June 2014. PRICE – Adult US$48, Child US$37.
A unique and prestigious interactive dining & theatrical experience, at which George Washington relays his life’s story at, and around, the dinner table in this truly authentic 1751 setting. A scrumptious 5 course 18th century dinner in the very dining room of the house that George Washington spent 6 weeks of his life, when just 19 years old.
Step into the past as you enter the grounds. Talk with George while eating at the long dining table, in a room lit only by candles. Attended by staff in period dress with beautiful music played by musicians in the entrance hall, the atmosphere is completed by the sight and sound of a horse in the courtyard.
Wine, rum and local juices are included and served throughout the evening. A selection of fine champagnes are available for an additional cost.
With places at the table for just 29 guests, this event occurs from 7.00 pm – 10.00 pm on August 11, 18, 25, September 01 and every Monday from December 22, 2014 – March 30, 2015. Price: Adults US$115.
Until June 2011, the existence of the Garrison Tunnels had drifted almost into ‘folklore’. The accidental re-discovery, by the Garrison Consortium at that time, also had the effect of unearthing the distant memories of others, which have now become a huge source of information, leading to a better understanding of the size and purpose of this tunnel network.
In August 2012, a section of one of the tunnels, under George Washington House, was fitted with lights and audio-visual equipment. This has enabled us to provide live, interactive ‘shows’ from the tunnel, transmitted into the small cinema at George Washington House. These shows are normally conducted as part of our Garrison Tour, during which the audience can ask questions to the presenter, located in the tunnels.
In the meantime, we are working very closely with the authorities to have this same section of the tunnels opened to public access, so that those who wish to see it for themselves, will have that opportunity. Once this system is in place, visitors to George Washington House will be able to descend into this long forgotten world of underground passageways!
