Gun Hill Signal Station, St. George, Barbados Pocket Guide

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.

 

Map of Barbados Signal Stations, Barbados Pocket Guide

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.

 

The station arguably offers the best views of the island and houses a fascinating collection of military memorabilia.

 

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 Gardens at Gun Hill Signal Station, St. George, Barbados Pocket Guide

 

Red House on the Lawns of Gun Hill Signal Station, St. George, Barbados Pocket Guide

 

Cookhouse at Gun Hill Signal Station, St. George, Barbados Pocket Guide

 

Sign on the Lawns of Gun Hill Signal Station in St. George, Indicating that Fusilier Road was Built by the Royal Scots Fusiliers

 

Artefacts on Display at Gun Hill Signal Station, Barbados Pocket Guide

 

Sign Outside the Military Cookhouse, Gun Hill Signal Station, St. George, Barbados Pocket Guide

 

Canons on Display at Gun Hill Signal Station, St. George, Barbados Pocket Guide

 

Cardboard Cut Out of a Soldier on the Lawns of Gun Hill Signal Station, St. George, Barbados POocjet Guide

 

Steps Leading Up to Gun Hill Signal Tower, St. George, Barbados Pocket Guide