Off The Beaten Track: Hackletons Cliff

So, an "off the beaten track" feature has not been posted in quite a while now, but we think we have one which will make up for it. Today we are going to introduce you to a cliff known as Hackletons which is just about the best view of the East Coast of Barbados.  Not only is it utterly breathtaking but where you stand to embrace it's magnificence lay three burial vaults containing the remains of the Hackleton, Forster, Cox and Culpepper Families which date back to 1685. These families were one of the first set of families to move across the Atlantic and reside on our Island, Barbados. See below and bask in the beauty yourself.

Hackletons Cliff Barbados

Hackletons Cliff Barbados

And these pictures don't even do this view justice, so just imagine!

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Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

Have You Seen This Bit of History in Holetown?

As you drive or walk through Holetown in Barbados you may notice a tall standing coral stone building surrounded by lush greenery- well this is the famously known St. James Parish Church. This church is located in the Parish of St. James and is a stone's throw away from the ocean. The first settlers landed in Holetown in 1626 and it was decided that a place of worship should be erected as the settlers community was growing at a rapid pace. In 1628 a wooden building was constructed on this site and then replaced by a coral stone building in 1683 which is now still in use. St James Parish church has been restored in recent years and has been honoured by the Barbados National Trust for their restoration efforts.

St. James Parish Church, Barbados

St. James Parish Church, Barbados

There are many interesting features about St James Parish church such as the The Old Church bell (the oldest church bell in Barbados), the original baptismal font which is 300 years old, stained glass windows and objects of art namely sculptures and murals.

St. James Parish Church, Barbados

St. James Parish Church, Barbados

If you do pass through Holetown, be sure to stop at St James Parish church and take in a bit of history while enjoying the stunning architecture and surroundings.

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

A North- Eastern Sight to See in Barbados - St. Andrew Parish Church

One of the most prominent churches on the North- East coast of Barbados is St. Andrew Parish Church. This church was first built from wood in 1630 and then reconstructed as a stone structure in 1846 after being destroyed by a hurricane in 1831. The present church which sits among lush Casuarina trees is of Georgian architecture. It was built from sawn stone and has a tower and gallery running on three sides of the building.

St. Andrew Church, Barbados

St. Andrew Church, Barbados

This church is a definite stand out as you venture through the parish of St Andrew!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Loop Barbados

Ancient Beauty Still Standing Strong

The Nidhe Israel Synagogue is the only synagogue located in Bridgetown (the capital) of Barbados and is one of the oldest synagogues in the Western hemisphere. The synagogue is proudly a Barbados National Trust property and was originally built in 1654 by the Jews who came from Brazil to pass on their expertise in the sugar industry. Later it was destroyed by a hurricane and was rebuilt, restored and is now an active synagogue. The present synagogue combines Jewish, Gothic Renaissance and Barbadian architectural features and adjacent to the synagogue is the 17th century cemetery. This building stands amongst what is recognized as one of the first major Jewish communities in the Americas. If you are interested in observing Jewish life in Barbados, the Nidhe Israel Synagogue invite visitors and locals alike to attend the Shabbat Services starting December 9th at 7.30 PM. For more information feel free to contact the Synagogue at (246) 436-6869.

Jewish Synagogue, Barbados

Jewish Synagogue, Barbados

Bench outside the Jewish Synagogue, Barbados

Also, accompanied along side the synagogue is an interactive and very well presented museum which displays the history of the Jewish community in Barbados from the time of the extrusion of the Jews from Brazil in the mid 1600's to present day. 

The Nidhe Israel Synagogue is open from Monday to Friday, 9AM - 3 PM. The entrance to the Synagogue itself is free of charge and the admission to the museum is as follows: 

• Adults: $12.50 USD per person
• Children: $6.00 USD per person (5YRS-12YRS)
• Children Under 5 YRS: Free

We hope you can make it to this beautiful piece of history on your next stop in Barbados!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Loop Barbados

The One And Only Barbadian Conkie

Since yesterday was Independence Day here in Barbados,  Loop Barbados has decided to feature a post on the one and only conkie. These traditional corn based Barbadian delicacies are made during the month of November so as to celebrate our very special Independence. Just to give you all a little history the Ghanaian “kenkey” is probably the origin of the local word, conkie. In Ghana, "kenkey" refers to similarly prepared corn meal dishes. Prior to independence, the eating of conkies were associated with the British Colonial Celebration - Guy Fawkes Day. This sweet dish can be eaten as a meal or a snack and its main ingredients are pumkin, cornmeal, coconut, along with various spices. Once prepared, the conkie is then wrapped in a banana or fig leaf and steamed.

So if you are in Barbados around Independence time, you must try our celebratory Bajan delicacy- The Conkie!

Melanie & Kimberly*

 

Happy Independence Barbados!

Today, the 30th November, 2011 marks 45 years of Independence for Barbados! Here is a little history of Barbados for you - The English first settled in Holetown in 1627 and Barbados remained a British colony for over 300 years until achieving Independence from Britain on the 30th November, 1966. The first Independence ceremony was celebrated with the raising of the Barbados National Flag and the playing of the Barbados National Anthem!

So cheers to 45 years and many more as being an independent nation!

Melanie & Kimberly*

 

The Church Perched On Horse Hill

Sitting atop Horse Hill, St. Joseph is a small and beautiful church adorned with stained glass windows and an unbelievable view of the East coast of the island. This church- St. Joseph Parish Church- was built before 1641 and was badly damaged by a hurricane in 1789 and then completely destroyed by another hurricane in 1831. The church was then rebuilt in 1839 at the present site. It sits at the foot of Hackleton's Cliff and is one of a few churches in Barbados that has such an amazing view.

It really is a serene place to visit, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you are heading down to the East Coast to Bathsheba or anywhere else, take a little time to enjoy the breathtaking view from St. Joseph Parish Church!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Image: Loop Barbados

The Rescued Barbadian Site- Morgan Lewis Windmill

Situated in the parish of St. Andrew is Morgan Lewis Windmill. This windmill was the last operating windmill in Barbados - ceasing operation in 1945 - and was listed as a site on the World Monuments Watch List in 1996. This watch list is made up of 100 of the most endangered sites in the world and after being enlisted, a two year restoration was under taken to bring the mill back to its former glory. Take a look at the mill from two decades ago and what is looks like today!

Morgan Lewis Windmill- 2 decades ago in dire need of restoring

Morgan Lewis Windmill in 2010

Morgan Lewis Windmill- dyed on silk by Deborah Younglao

This site, overlooking the rugged Scotland District on the East coast of the island, is one which you must see at least once in your lifetime!

Melanie & Kimberly*




images: Deborah Youngalao, Loop Barbados,  Squierj

Off The Beaten Track: Codrington College

Our second feature in this segment is Codrington College, which can be considered quite difficult to find and as we say "Off The Beaten Track". This college is perched on the picturesque hillside of St. John and a feeling of tranquility and serenity surrounds you as you enter the driveway lined with cabbage palm trees. Take a look below and indulge yourself in the beauty and wonder of Codrington College!

  

Codrington College is the oldest Anglican theological college in the Western Hemisphere and is the perfect example of the architectural, natural, educational and historical tradition of Barbados. Not only does Codrington College boast of educational heritage as it was opened as a grammar school in 1745 and then progressed to a university level institution in 1830, but it also possesses beautiful natural surroundings. The calm lily pond is a famous feature of Codrington College along with the various species of palm trees scattered along the lush grass of the property.

Melanie & Kimberly*



Image: Loop Barbados

One Of The Oldest Survivors In Barbados and the Western Hemisphere

St. Nicholas Abbey, located in St. Peter,  is one of the oldest homes in Barbados, surviving in almost its original state. Estimated to be built between 1650 and 1660, St. Nicholas Abbey was named after George Nicholas who automatically inherited (due to matrimonial law of the period)  the house when he married Susanna Berringer, Daughter of Jehu. George soon ran into debt and in 1730 lost St. Nicholas. The house is currently owned by Barbadian architect Larry Warren.

St. Nicholas Abbey, St. Peter, Barbados - Mike Toy

St. Nicholas Abbey resembles the English Jacobean manor houses of the first half of the seventeenth Century. The Jacobean Style is the second phase of renaissance architecture and was named after James I of England, whose reign it was associated with.  St. Nicholas'  only other counterparts in the Western Hemisphere are Drax Hall in Barbados and Bacon's Castle in Virgina.

Melanie & Kimberly*



Image: St. Nicholas Abbey