Wallblake House Travel Guide

Wallblake House, nestled in The Valley, Anguilla, offers a captivating journey into the island's past. Built in 1787 by Will Blake, a sugar planter, it is considered the oldest structure on the island. The name 'Wallblake' is believed to be a variation of William or Valentine Blake.The house witnessed the French invasion in 1796, during which a local Anguillian sought refuge in its cellar but was caught and executed. The French then gutted the property, but it was later rebuilt by the British. The house has been fully restored, including its kitchen complex, stables, and slave quarters. The property was owned by the Rey family until 1950s. In 1959, Mary Ray Lake donated the house to the Catholic Church, which owns it to this day.The house features a stone foundation, a Guyanese hardwood roof, and wooden upper sections. The original structure used dressed stones, likely from East End or Scrub Island, with lime mortar made from burnt coral and shells. The house is now a museum with artifacts reflecting traditional Anguillian furniture, lifestyles, and customs.Today, Wallblake House stands as a symbol of Anguilla's history and is a key part of the Anguilla Heritage Trail.