Speightstown

Beez Neez now Chy Whella
Big Bear and Pepe Millard
Wed 28 Jan 2009 20:30

 

Speightstown

Speightstown (pronounced Spite's-town) is the second largest town centre of Barbados. It is situated twelve miles from the centre of Bridgetown, in the northern parish of Saint Peter.

 

 

Ten minutes walk from the Port St Charles complex, along Heywood's Beach, a view of our girl. As we trot off towards town for shopping.

History

The area of Speightstown was the first major port and commercial centre of Barbados. The city is named after William Speight, a member of Barbados' first Assembly during the colonial years as well as the former land owner where the city is located. It has a long and colourful history reaching back to the 17th century when it served as one of the main ports connecting the island with the “mother country,” England. Back then Speightstown was sometimes called “Little Bristol” because of these trading connections with Bristol in England. This little village was the port that Ayscue could not take, when dispatched by Cromwell to quell the insurrection in Barbados in 1649. The Barbadians were loyal to Charles I, and would not accept Oliver Cromwell as their protector. For six months Ayscue was unable to land in Barbados, and concentrated attacks on Speightstown were repelled by the small forts along the shore. The tiny island was landed only with the help of a defector who led Ayscue and his men to land at Oistins Town where they met with representatives of the island and signed what has become known as the "Charter of Barbados". Signed in 1652, the agreement gave Barbados rights and privileges unheard of in any other Island. In particular it guaranteed that Barbados could not be taxed without the consent of a Barbados General Assembly. Many historic buildings dating from colonial times, including Arlington House, still remain standing in the town and can be seen mostly along Queen Street, Church Street and Orange Street. Speightstown saw a lot of activity during the reign of the sugar industry and the day of the slave trade. Many slaves would have passed through this town, even if they were to be shipped on further to other islands or America.

 

   

 

As we enter the town we saw brightly painted houses, courtesy of the Berger Paint factory nearby. The Congregational Hall. To the left of the third photo is Eddie's, the supermarket we found and loved.

Culture

There is a lot of activity in Speightstown particularly on weekends when locals and visitors come out to do their shopping and banking. Many stalls can be found along the streets hawking local and imported fruits and ground provisions. Falling into disrepair and neglected over the years it has now been revived and is on stream for a number of exciting initiatives. There has been a redevelopment of the Speightstown Esplanade (Fort Denmark) and the Fisheries Complex. There has been some significant work to the drainage of the area with the Salt Pond being adjusted to allow for the flow of water from the sea. The jetty has been rebuilt and there is the talk of resurrecting the Bridgetown to Speightstown Schooner Route as a modern ferry line. Close to Speightstown are excellent hotels and restaurants. There is an excellent art gallery, The Gallery of Caribbean Art, www.artgallerycaribbean.com which showcases some local and Caribbean artists. Actress Claudette Colbert spent six months annually in Speightstown after her retirement. Athlete and actor Oliver Skeete was born in Speightstown.

 

         

 

We found the darling little church of St Peter, built in 1837, when I stopped to read a sign about a flower festival. An elderly man said "we should go on up the drive as we were most welcome to go look round". I adore old black men when they have grey or white hair. From the outside, the church looked so old and crumbly, we didn't expect to see pristine inside. The interior had been destroyed by fire 21st April 1980 and rededicated 1983, we were looking at the renovated church. The bell couldn't be in the tower - that was on the ground outside.  I could not get over the church flowers, not what you would see in the UK, such vibrant colours. We signed the visitors book, said a prayer for the family, especially my brother, whose namesake we were with; for his operation on 24th February to rebuild the badly healed shoulder he broke on May 12th 2008. Good luck Lord Grisswold of Westonzoyland. The only man we know who when he shakes his arm will actually be wiggling his hip !!!

 

 

         

 

After a good session in Eddie's, we walked back as far as Heywood's Beach and I sat quietly with the shopping while my hero went for the tender. We have never walked along a beach with shopping and I have certainly never waited for a water taxi with carrier bags. There is something so quaint about shopping here, everything is bagged by a lady, who would NOT let me help. We had seen everything from chickens thighs, legs, breasts, and FEET, bought Jerk sauce to go with the mince for savoury tortillas. Rum punch and veg all for £68.00, not bad for a weeks shop. Everyone we met on the street said "hello"

 

 

Outside the supermarket was a fruit and veg stall, we bought a huge pomelo, carrots, beans and tomatoes for £10.00 and off we went.

 

         

 

The shopping and waiting quietly for my lift.

 

 

 

ALL IN ALL a good first days exploration and a bit of vitalling.