St John's Church
Dramatic clifftop setting
It’s the setting that really makes St John’s Parish Church, perched on the edge of Hackleton’s Cliff, with a commanding view of the East Coast, and shaded by some magnificent mahogany trees. Like many of Barbados’ churches, it was initally made of wood, later replaced by successive stone structures that fell to hurricanes (in 1674, 1780 and 1831).
The present (fifth) version of the church was built in early Barbadian Gothic style, in 1836, with the chancel added much later. Of particular interest inside is the delightful wooden staircase up to the gallery and the pulpit, which was exquisitely carved using six different woods.
The graveyard
In the tree-filled graveyard at the back, there are several tombs of note: the large moss-covered vault of Ferdinando Paleologus, who claimed to be descended from the last family to rule the Byzantine Empire; Iris Bannochie, founder of Andromeda Gardens; and David Thompson, a former Prime Minister of Barbados, who died of cancer in 2010 after only two years in office.
Daily 6am–6pm
Free; donations welcome
By car: Follow Highway 3B NE out of Bridgetown, approximately 10.6 miles (17km); the church is signposted along the way (40min).
By Bus: The frequent #7 bus heading from Fairchild St Terminal (Bridgetown) to Sargeant St can drop you 200m from St John’s Parish Church (50min). Check the bus timetable for details.