f the three remaining Jacobean mansions in the western hemisphere, Drax Hall is the oldest. It was here that sugar was first cultivated commercially in Barbados in 1642.
It is generally believed that Drax Hall was built in the 1650s by James Drax and his brother William although there is some uncertainty as to whether it was indeed built by Henry Drax who was James?s son. James Drax was reputed to be the richest planter in Barbados at the time. The brothers built Drax Hall as one of the earliest and biggest sugar properties in Barbados. It is classic Jacobean architecture, with steep gable roofs, stone corner finials, casement gable windows and a particularly fine Jacobean staircase with its richly, carved hall archway of mastic wood.
Drax Hall, located in St. George is still owned though not lived in by the Drax family and unfortunately is not open to the public.
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