Morgan Lewis Windmill: A Step Back in Time

Morgan Lewis Windmill, located in the parish of St. Andrew, is a captivating historical site that offers a unique window into Barbados's sugar industry heritage. Standing proudly atop Cherry Tree Hill, it is the largest and only complete sugar windmill remaining in the Caribbean, a testament to a bygone era when sugar was king. Built in the early 18th century, around 1727, Morgan Lewis Windmill played a crucial role in the production of sugar, which was the backbone of the Barbadian economy for centuries. The windmill harnessed the power of the wind to crush sugar cane, extracting the juice that would then be processed into sugar. The site offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the ingenuity and hard work that went into this vital industry. In 1962, the mill was entrusted to the Barbados National Trust by its owner, Egbert L. Bannister, ensuring its preservation as a museum for future generations. The Barbados National Trust undertook significant restoration efforts, including a major project completed in 1999 with the help of millwrights from the UK, local craftsmen, and volunteers. These efforts ensured that the mill's original working parts were preserved, allowing the sails to turn once again and cane to be ground after more than half a century. Visitors to Morgan Lewis Windmill can explore the interior of the mill, where exhibits showcase the equipment used in sugar production during the 18th and 19th centuries. These exhibits provide a fascinating glimpse into the technology and techniques of the time, as well as the lives of the workers who toiled in the sugar industry. Climbing to the top of the mill offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the rugged east coast and the Scotland District. During the crop season, which typically runs from February to July, the sails of Morgan Lewis Windmill are put in place, and the mill operates one Sunday each month, grinding cane and producing cane juice. Visitors can witness this demonstration and even taste freshly crushed cane juice. The Grind Artisan Cafe, located next to the windmill, offers stunning views of the scenic east coast and lush countryside. It provides a perfect spot to relax and reflect on the historical significance of the site while enjoying local flavors. Morgan Lewis Windmill is a reminder of the complex social dynamics that shaped Barbados. The sugar industry relied heavily on the labor of enslaved Africans, whose contributions were essential to the island's economic success. While the mill stands as a symbol of ingenuity and industry, it also serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of sugar production.