Overview:

, Welchman Hall Fort is a historic fort in St. Thomas, Barbados. Situated at Tenantry Bay, the site was developed in 1705 by the Irish planter, Michael Welchman. The fort was designed to protect plantations and villages from pirate attacks. Today, the fort stands as a reminder of the island's fascinating history and is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the fort's many cannons, dungeons, and walled walkways, as well as its wide selection of historical artifacts. The fort can be reached by climbing up the steep steps that lead from the nearby town of St. Thomas. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Barbados
Prominent Features:

- Located in the Parish of St. Thomas - Situated on a hilltop overlooking the Caribbean Sea - Built in 1845 by Joseph Rodger Welchman as a sugar plantation manor - Constructed in a Georgian-styled mansion with two floors, and a central stairway - Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 - Includes an old stone fort, dungeon, outbuildings, and gardens - Welcomes visitors for historical tours and re-enactments of past events - Hosts a variety of cultural events like concerts and festivals throughout the year You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Barbados.

History:

Welchman Hall Fort is located in the parish of Saint Thomas, Barbados. The fort was built between 1685 and 1690, during the reign of Charles II, and was the only defence of the local parish against any attack from foreign powers. The fort was equipped with two large guns on either side of the entrance, as well as numerous other smaller guns. It also featured a guard house, storehouse, and ammunition room. The actual fortress was built upon the remains of an old sugar plantation, owned by Sir John Welchman in the early days of Barbadian colonization. It continued to protect the parish and locals within it for several hundred years, aided by a small garrison of island militia. The fort remained operational until the early 19th century when it gradually declined in use. Today, Welchman Hall Fort is a popular tourist attraction on the island, and a great example of Barbados’ colonial history. It is also a National Historic Site, and is managed by The Barbados National Trust, who have installed interpretive plaques to help visitors understand the site’s history. Visit one of the famous monuments of Barbados with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Welchman Hall Fort is the best preserved example of a Barbadian 17th century “geometric” military fort. 2. It was built in 1654 by the English sugar planter Thomas Welchman and his wife Elizabeth. 3. In the early 18th century, the fort was sold to Lord Willoughby when Barbados became a British colony. 4. The fort is a double fort with an inner fortification and a moat surrounding the entire structure. 5. It has a unique 8-sided shape as no other fort has this same design. 6. It has been restored to its former glory and is now open to the public as a living museum. 7. During World War II, the fort was used as a radar station and lookout for the island’s coastal defenses. 8. The fort was designated as a National Historic Site in 1999. 9. In 2012, the fort was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the historical monuments of Barbados, it tells the story of a bygone era