Life in Antigua Barbuda

action in Antigua’s history. It was captured by the
French in 1666 and returned to England the following
year, when it was named after Admiral Barrington who
had captured St. Lucia from the French the year before.
The present fortifications were built in 1779, and from
this prominent hill excellent sightings of St. Kitts and
Nevis are possible against the backdrop of stunning
sunsets.
HARMONY HALL – Situated on the east coast of
the island, its six acres overlook gorgeous Nonsuch Bay.
The former Great House of Brown’s Bay Mill dates back
to 1843. This cultural haven houses a restaurant and
patio with a sugar mill and tower lookout. There is a
craft shop and art gallery with a collection of work by
top Caribbean artists and sculptors.
MEGALITHS, GREENCASTLE HILL – Located
about three miles due south of St John’s between the
villages of Jennings and Emmanuel. For the
adventuresome, a climb to the 565 foot-high rounded
grassy hilltop, the remains of an isolated volcano will
reveal many interesting megaliths and panoramic
views. These unusual geological formations, some say,
were scenes of religious ceremonies and phallic
worship. Others say the remains of the upright stone
circles suggest the hill was once an astronomical outlay
for the measurement of time. An Amerindian site exists
not far from Tomb Rock.
POTWORKS RESERVOIR AND DAMS – This is
reputed to be the largest expanse of freshwater in the
Eastern Caribbean; a mile long and half a mile wide,
covering 320 acres and holding one billion gallons of
water when full. This large lake, held by two dams, is a
welcome and surprising sight (when there are no
prolonged dry spells) as you drive in the direction of
Harmony Hall, Half Moon Bay or the Bethesda route to
English Harbour. There is also interesting bird-watching
around the western edge of the reservoir.
ST. GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH – This
colonial-era church dating back to 1687 sits on land
granted to Daniel Fitch. The area, known as Fitches
Creek, was remodelled in 1735 and given its present
name. There is a marble ledger of the first English
settler to be interred within a place of worship in
Antigua, which can still be seen. Its setting is
particularly lovely with views overlooking Fitches Creek
on one side and Parham Harbour on the other.
ST. PETER’S ANGLICAN CHURCH IN
PARHAM – The earliest British settlement in Antigua,
the centre of seaborne trade and the island’s first port
with a protected harbour, Parham Town exported the
refined products of some 20 sugar estates in its area. The
village is noted for its unique church, St. Peter’s, which
was once described as ‘the finest church in the British
West Indies.’ It was rebuilt in the 1840s after the original
wooden church, built in 1711, had been burnt down and
its replacement of 1754 dismantled. Although the exterior
is in need of restoration, the interior is beautifully
proportioned with an octagonal shape and fascinating
rib-like wooden ceiling. Designed by Thomas Weekes,
the famous British architect of the mid-1800s, the very
neat keystone work and excellent smoothness in the wall
joints was the work of the Antiguan master mason.
WALLINGS FOREST AND RESERVOIR – One
of the finest mixed evergreen deciduous forest walks,
reached by a nature trail from John Hughes Village.
After about half a mile along the path, the awesome
wide-stepped spillway of the dam appears almost as if it
were a spectacular folly. A magnificent example of
Victorian industrial architecture and workmanship, it is
an extraordinary sight in such surroundings, with its
rounded capping and small round tower. Started in
1890 and finished three years later, this incredible
overflow system was designed to hold 13 million
gallons of water. This was a great feat over 100 years
ago, considering the tunnels for the water pipe were
dug through solid rock at least 50-60 feet underground
– as yet an unexplained marvel. In 1945, a small
additional dam was finished, creating the Fig Tree
reservoir. Together these two dams cover 268 acres.
DONKEY
SANCTUARY
Antigua’s Donkey Sanctuary, operated by the Antigua &
Barbuda Humane Society, is located just outside the
village of Bethesda. Get up close and personal with
these wonderful creatures.
The donkeys love to receive visitors and are happy
to pose for photographs. Ask about our “Adopt an
Antiguan Donkey” programme. Admission is free.
Open Monday to Saturday 10.00am-4.00pm. Visit:
www.antigua animals.com or call us at Tel: 461-4957 for
more information.
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