A Guided Walking Tour... The Historic Speightstown Story

Description

Brief History

Speightstown, the second largest town in Barbados, is located along the northwest coastline and prides itself on a long-standing and fascinating history. The town, which started as a settlement around 1630, is named after William Speight who owned the land the town was built on. Speightstown stood as the main and busiest Barbados port that served England, “the motherland”. The town earned itself the name Little Bristol due to its strong British presence.

In 1652, there was disquiet as a result of the civil war in England, and Admiral George Ayscue, under the command of Oliver Cromwell, tried to reclaim the port of Speightstown. The Barbadians, being loyal to Charles I, refused to recognize Cromwell as their protector and for six months, Ayscue was unable to land on Speightstown. Ayscue eventually landed on the island with the help of a defector and met with representatives of Barbados at Oistins Town.

In 1652, the "Charter of Barbados" agreement was signed and Barbados became the first island to attain previously unheard of rights and privileges, in particular, tax regulation by their own, a Barbados General Assembly. This town should definitely be in your list of places to visit while on a trip to Barbados.

Tour Description

Are you craving a historical adventure in Barbados? Look no further! This tour takes you for a relaxing and informative stroll through the quaint town of Speightstown which is always awash with activity but somehow maintains its British colonial charm. Our tour package, which is tailored for small groups, is aimed at maximizing the authentic experience of a Speightstown tour through the eyes of an informed local.

The most defining feature of Speightstown is the 17th century pre-colonial architecture. You will get to visit and learn the stories behind historic buildings that date back to the early settlements as you experience the sense of development that has taken place in the town which is evident by the integration of modern architecture. With forts lining the coasts of Barbados, one would expect that Little Bristol would also have its share of protection.

You will also get to interact with the people of Speightstown. The wayside hawkers and rum shops are still very much a part of this town, and on our tours, you are sure to encounter one or two such characteristics of this unique town. After you have experienced one of our tours to this forgotten town – Speightstown will never be the same for you!

This tour is ideal for 

• Locals
• cruise passengers
• long stay passengers in local hotels or homestays like Airbnb. 
• You
• As an addition to any Barbados vacation packages

What to expect;

• Be transposed back in time. 
• Hear intriguing stories of Speightstown. 
• Hear about the Doctor who always went to Belleplaine. 
• See the canons that protected Little Bristol. 
• Meet the street vendors. 
• Experience comfort and leisure of all this with the aid of Orpheo Audio Tour (OTG) equipment. 

Things to note 

1. Light snack will be provided. 
2. You may bring your own headphones however earpieces will be available.
3. Comfortable walking shoes, and weather gear, just in case of a few drops of rain, is encouraged.
4. Starting Point : Roundabout at entrance to Speightstown 
5. Assembly Time: 15 minutes before departure time