Your Ultimate Guide To Barbados

Gun Hill Signal Station

The Gun Hill Signal Station is strategically perched on a hilltop in the parish of St. George and is one of the six (6) signal stations erected across Barbados after the 1816 Slave Rebellion. This 19th century signal station arguably offers the best views of the entire island of Barbados and contains a captivating collection of military memorabilia. When it was known as Briggs Hill, it was named as one of the four points where guns were to be placed to give alarm in the event of an invasion.

Gun Hill Signal Station is strategicaly perched on a hilltop in the parish of St. George on the island of Barbados. This particular signal station was a bit more complex than the others as a number of men were stationed there which necessitated the construction of soldiers barracks, quarters for the officers, kitchens and other structures.

In 1981 the Barbados National Trust leased the station from the Government of Barbados and restored it with the help of a grant from government.

The Lion at Gun Hill

A depiction of strength and dominance sums up this landmark lion at Gun Hill. It was sculpted in 1868 by Captain Henry Wilkinson with the assistance of four military labourers.

Under this oversized lion, there is an inscription with the sculptor's name and a verse from the Vulgate Latin translation of the Bible. Translated in English, it means 'He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river, unto the ends of the earth'. Clearly this speaks to the magnitude of authority the British had over Barbados and the world.

The Lion at Gun Hill and the Signal Station are very easy to find. Using St George Parish Church as a major landmark, the attraction is a mere 5 minutes drive up the hill on the left-hand side of the road after passing the church. Signs are clearly visible along the route.

The Gun Hill Signal Station and site is now one of the registered locations which falls under the care and control of the Barbados National Trust. In recent times the Trust has started hosting special events at the Gun Hill location and has taken advantage of the all-encompassing view and the overall appeal of this tranquil setting in the parish of St George in Barbados. Outside of those activities, the Gun Hill site can be freely added as a place of interest to visit during a visit to Barbados.