Holetown Barbados - Fun Barbados Sights

he historic HOLETOWN had the first settlement in Barbados and is the third largest town on the island. It was originally called 'St James Town' then 'Jamestown' after King James I of England.

It was finally renamed 'Holetown' because of the 'hole', a small channel in which ships anchored in the area, similar to the 'Hole' on the River Thames in London, and also because of its Shallow draught.

History has it that on May 14th 1625 Captain John Powell and crew on the ship 'Olive Blossom' landed on Barbados and claimed the uninhabited island for England. Two years later, on February 17th 1627, his brother Captain Henry Powell landed with a party of 80 settlers and 10 slaves, under the patronage of the future Earl of Pembroke . The group established Barbados' first settlement 'Jamestown'. This event was commemorated by the Holetown Monument.

The settlement in 1627 was funded by a merchant named Sir William Courteen of London. He originally owned the title to Barbados which was later lost in the "Great Barbados Robbery" to Scotsman James Hay the Earl of Carlisle.

Holetown is a resort town located on the prestigious west coast also known as the 'gold coast' in the parish of St James. Although a small town, it is among some of the most luxurious Hotels and Villas on the island and has access to beaches and practically everything you would need while in Barbados, especially duty-free retail shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

It is also the home to the Holetown Festival. Holetown Festival is a week of events in February celebrating the first settlement in Barbados, in 1625 at Holetown by the English.

The festival was founded in 1977 by the late Alfred Pragnell, an entertainer. (Poet, actor and radio announcer)

Highlights of Barbados' history and culture are showcased at this annual festival through art, craft, food, music, fashion, and drama. The celebrations start at the Holetown Monument and ends with a colourful street fair, with some historical lectures, exhibitions, street parades and Tattoo shows in between. There is also lots cultural entertainment such as Steel Pan, Tuk Band, Stilt Walkers, Acrobats and Shaggy Bears as well as live music. Event Dates

Holetown is also home to a beautiful beach with lots of watersports activity, so when in the area check out Holetown Beach
(located just south of the monument - entrance at the south end of the post office)

HOLETOWN BARBADOS
...The Resort Town

SHOPPING AREAS IN THE HISTORIC HOLETOWN

West Coast Mall
Duty-Free Shopping on the west coast with everything you need under the sun. A variety of services for health, beauty, men, women, kids as well as a food court and lots more.

Sunset Crest Shopping Mall
This mall offers Duty-free Shopping at its best, with a variety of other services for everyone.

The Chattel Village
There are two such shopping villages on the island that are fashioned after the quaint chattel house. One located in St. Lawrence Gap and the other in Holetown, both with a variety of shops and products. This cluster of chattel shops offers something for everyone, from T shirts to gift items and local souvenirs.

Limegrove Shopping Mall
This is the most stylish shopping centre on the island to shop, dine, and lime for both visitors and locals.

HISTORIC INTEREST IN THE HOLETOWN AREA AND NEARBY:

First and Second Street Holetown:
These were the first two streets to be built in Barbados, and as the main nightlife strip on the west coast, this area can boast popularity with both visitors and locals alike offering a variety of restaurants and bars complimented by local entertainment.
Directions: Just north of Holetown Monument

St James Fort/The Hole Fort - Now the Holetown Police Station and Post Office:
This was the first major fortification in Barbados and is now the oldest Law and Justice facility in Barbados. The now Police Station was originally part of the gunners' quarters of Orange Fort (Speightstown). On this site you can see an 18th Century Archway at the entrance of the Station and the ruins of the fort behind the buildings. The St James Fort once protected Holetown and its coastal areas. A bit of wall and a couple iron cannons remain on location.
Directions: Located in the area of the Holetown monument at the now Police Station and Post Office.

Porters Plantation - Later Church Point House - Now Folkestone House:
Porters Plantation was the site for one of Barbados Forts in the 1600's and was the home of many generations of the Alleyne Family, who were elite members of the plantocracy and political society.

God's Little Acre - Now stands the St James Parish Church
'God's Acre' as some called it was Barbados' first place of worship. More info
Directions: North of Holetown Monument - next to Folkestone Marine Park

Powell's Plantation - Now Mount Standfast
The home of the first Governor of Barbados, Henry Powell
Directions: Travel west along the Westmoreland to Porters Road

Indian River Plantation - Now Lascelles Plantation
This is said to be the first English plantation in Barbados. The name 'Lascelles' dates back to when Lord Lascelles, the great grandfather of Queen Victoria, lived here.

The Lascelles House originally part of the Plantation is occasionally featured in the Barbados National Trust Open House Programme. The house is gracefully furnished with antiques and a wonderful collection of paintings and sculptures, as well as prints depicting naval history. It is also surrounded by nearly 3 acres of gardens, the total effect is spectacular.
Directions: From Holetown, turn inland at St. James Methodist Church. The house is less than a mile up this road in Lascelles Cul de Sac.