Construction of the British Garrison, designed to house the British army, started in 1789, after the purchase of some 64 acres of land. The Garrison was described in its day as having one of the finest parade grounds in the West Indies.

Today some of the existing buildings are still military barracks, housing the Barbados Defence Force. One of the most impressive buildings is the Main Guard, easily identified by its clock tower. This tower bears the date of 1803 and is presently undergoing renovation. In front of the clock tower you will find the Barbados Cannon Collection, one of the finest cannon collections in the world. It is one of only two collections that includes a gun with Cromwell's Republican Arms on it. After his death, all of Cromwell's possessions were destroyed and the Barbados cannon with his crest is the only one known to ever be found on land!

The Garrison Savannah is now the home of the Barbados Turf Club and is known throughout the West Indies as a top class horse racing track. Racing at the Garrison dates back to the early nineteenth century when the British Cavalry officers raced against the local plantation owners... the early days of the Barbados Derby.



Barbadian jockeys are internationally famous, particularly in Canada. Fortunately those resident abroad still return for the big days.



On major race days such as the prestigious Sandy Lane Gold Cup the Garrison comes alive with activity.

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