Your Ultimate Guide To Barbados

Newton Slave Burial Ground

Located close to the site of the former slave village, this burial ground at Newton, Christ Church, Barbados is one of the largest excavated slave cemeteries in this entire hemisphere. Extensive excavation of this burial ground took place in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Approximately 104 individuals that were buried sometime around 1660 to 1820 were found at this site. Despite this excavation, the burial ground has remained the only one of its kind to be the earliest and largest undisturbed  burial ground to be discovered in Barbados.

Barbados was very dependent on slave labour and the operations of sugar plantations. From the inception of slavery on the island up until the very time of emancipation, several hundred thousands of slaves were buried throughout the island in unmarked graves. It was only the freed slaves that were entitled to any 'decent' burial as these were the ones buried in church yards.

The Barbados Slave Route Project Heritage Trail and Tour -

“Freedom Footprints: The Barbados Story”

A Slave Route Signage Project was launched in Barbados by the Ministry of Tourism around memorable sites on the island related to the slave trade, in an effort to heighten the awareness of the lucrative heritage market that exists in Barbados. The implementation of this project seeks to educate both the people of Barbados and tourists alike, as to the rich history that once lived and continues to live among us.

Currently in its pilot stages, the Barbados Slave Route Project is slated to officially launch in December of 2010.

The Barbados Slave Route Project Heritage Trail and Tour is one element of the Caribbean component of the UNESCO/WTO Slave Route Project.