Destination Guide: Barbados’ Parliament Buildings

The Barbados Parliament was established in 1639, making it the third oldest in the British Commonwealth.

Before the current Parliament buildings were erected between 1870 and 1874, the legislature was forced to shift from building to building around Bridgetown, and in some instances even met at pubs and taverns.

The House of Assembly and the Senate began sitting at the ‘Public Buildings’ from 16th June 1874.

Barbados’ Parliament was designed by John F. Bourne in a striking neo-gothic style and is built out of local coral-limestone which makes it a must-see attraction on the island.

One of the building’s most prominent features is the clock tower which can be seen from various vantage points around Bridgetown. The clock and bells were relocated from the East to the West Wing in late 1885 / early 1886 after the original tower was found to be sinking.

The 144-year-old clock, which has a pendulum that is 14 feet long, only stopped working briefly once when it was damaged following the passage of Tropical Storm Tomas in 2010. It was restored by traditional clockmaker and servicer, Andrew Hinks.

The stained-glass windows in the House of Assembly show British sovereigns spanning from James I to Queen Victoria. The glass windows within the Senate show the armorial shields of past Presidents of the Council and Speakers of the House of Assembly.

In November 2006, the West Wing of Parliament was refurbished in honour of the island’s 40th year of Independence, and it now houses a National Heroes Gallery as well as a Museum of Parliament.

In 2011, both Parliament buildings were designated as UNESCO protected properties within the World Heritage Site of Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison area.

Visitors to Barbados’ Parliament can attend debates, tour the buildings and see the clock tower although attendance at debates is subject to the approval of the Clerk of Parliament and the Speaker of the House.

The Parliament Museum is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Guided tours are conducted subject to availability and tickets can be purchased at reception.

Sources: Barbados Parliament website / Barbados Pocket Guide