Speightstown

Speightstown was the first major port and commercial centre of Barbados. Falling into disrepair and neglected over the years it has now been revived and is the home of a brand new luxury marina development - Port St. Charles - and a number of exciting initiatives. There are excellent restaurants in the area as well as an art gallery, and some fine examples of original Barbados architecture. This little village was the port that Ayscue could not take, when dispatched by Cromwell to quell the insurrection in Barbados in 1649. The Barbadians were loyal to Charles 1, and would not accept Cromwell as their protector. For 6 months Ayscue was unable to land in Barbados, and concentrated attacks on Speightstown were repelled by the small forts along the shore. The tiny Island was landed only with the help of a defector who led Ayscue and his men to land at Oistins Town where they met with representatives of the island and signed what has become known as the "Charter of Barbados". Signed in 1652, the agreement gave Barbados rights and privileges unheard of in any other Island. In particular it guaranteed that Barbados could not be taxed without the consent of a Barbados General Assembly.

Speightstown which is over 300 year old is located along the beautiful West coast of the island in the parish of St Peter.

This historic town is just a stone’s throw away from some of the most luxurious hotels, villas, beach apartments and restaurants on the island.

Speightstown has all kinds of shopping, Jordans is a large supermarket where all of your grocery shopping can be done.

All of the major banks can be found in Speightstown such as, The Royal Bank of Canada, Citibank, (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce , Barclays Bank,) recently merged and now are known as First Caribbean Bank Barbados.

Branches of the major department stores of Barbados are here.

Also you will a find Post Office, pharmacies, hardware stores, and all kinds of gift shops.

Be sure to visit the Gallery of Caribbean Art and Mango's Fine Art gallery while in Speightstown.

There are also many street vendors in Speightstown selling fresh fruit and vegetables, at times there are flowers and plants for sale here also.

Fresh fish right off the fishing boat can be had here on the right day.

While in Speightstown stop off at the Fishermans Pub and Restaurant they have good food and drinks at very reasonable prices.

There is duty free shopping in Bridgetown and Holetown for excellent buys on English goods and of course Barbados rum.

The shops are less crowded in the afternoon. The antique shopping is renowned and there are many antique shops.

The new cruise terminal offers attractive shopping opportunities with duty-free shops, retail stores and vendors featuring Bajan artists.