Your Ultimate Guide To Barbados

Parishes

William Mayo spent three (3) years from 1717 up until 1721 surveying parish boundaries on the island of Barbados before he could produce the Mayo Map of 1722. Despite the production of the map, boundary marks were still quite vague and often a source of confusion.

The country of Barbados is currently subdivided into sub-regions known as parishes. These eleven parishes were roughly laid out in the 1640s but it wasn't until 1721 that precise boundary marks were established.

An Act of the Barbados Parliament stated that parishes throughout the island of Barbados are officially labelled as the "Parish of" followed by the name of the parish as opposed to the American labelled system that names the word "Parish" after the actual parish name.

1. Saint Michael: Located in the west-central part of Barbados, Saint Michael is home to the capital city, Bridgetown. It is a bustling commercial and cultural hub, housing government buildings, shopping districts, and historic landmarks like the Parliament Buildings and the Garrison Savannah.
2. Saint James: Situated along the western coast, Saint James is renowned for its luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and vibrant nightlife. It includes popular tourist areas such as Holetown and Paynes Bay, as well as historical sites like St. James Parish Church.
3. Saint Peter: Located in the northern part of the island, Saint Peter is known for its rugged coastline, quiet fishing villages, and historic churches. It is home to attractions such as Animal Flower Cave and Farley Hill National Park.
4. Saint Lucy: The northernmost parish of Barbados, Saint Lucy is characterized by its rural charm, rolling hills, and picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean. It includes attractions like Barbados Wildlife Reserve and North Point.
5. Saint Andrew: Located in the eastern part of Barbados, Saint Andrew is known for its lush vegetation, scenic landscapes, and rugged terrain. It is home to notable geological formations like the Scotland District and historic sites such as Morgan Lewis Windmill.
6. Saint Joseph: Situated in the eastern interior, Saint Joseph is characterized by its lush forests, verdant hills, and quaint villages. Attractions include Flower Forest Botanical Gardens and the historic Andromeda Botanic Gardens.
7. Saint John: Located in the eastern part of Barbados, Saint John is known for its dramatic coastline, rugged terrain, and historical sites such as Codrington College and St. John Parish Church.
8. Saint Thomas: Located in the central part of the island, Saint Thomas is known for its agricultural heritage, rolling hills, and picturesque countryside. Attractions include Welchman Hall Gully and Harrison's Cave.
9. Christ Church: Situated in the southern part of Barbados, Christ Church is known for its diverse beaches, lively nightlife, and cultural attractions such as Oistins Fish Fry and the Barbados Museum and Historical Society.
10. Saint Philip: Located in the southeastern part of Barbados, Saint Philip is known for its tranquil beaches, scenic countryside, and historical sites such as Sunbury Plantation House and the Crane Resort.
11. Saint George: Located in the central part of the island, Saint George is known for its rural charm, rolling hills, and historical landmarks such as Gun Hill Signal Station and the Barbados Agricultural Society.

Each parish in Barbados offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance, making the island a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors and locals alike.