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Morgan Lewis Windmill: A Step Back in Time

Discover the largest and only complete sugar windmill in the Caribbean, offering a glimpse into Barbados's rich history and stunning panoramic views.

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Perched atop Cherry Tree Hill in St. Andrew, Barbados, Morgan Lewis Windmill is the Caribbean's largest and only complete sugar windmill. This historic site offers a unique glimpse into the island's sugar industry heritage, showcasing the ingenuity and labor that fueled the Barbadian economy for centuries.

A brief summary to Morgan Lewis Windmill

  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the crop season (February to July) for a chance to see the windmill in operation and taste fresh cane juice.
  • Climb to the top of the mill for panoramic views of the east coast and Scotland District.
  • Stop by the Grind Artisan Cafe for refreshments and to enjoy the scenic views.
  • Check the Barbados National Trust website for tour schedules and special events.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Bridgetown, take the #4 bus from the Princess Alice Bus Terminal towards Shorey Village. The journey takes approximately 55 minutes and costs $2 BBD. From Shorey Village, it's a 600m uphill walk to the windmill. Alternatively, from Speightstown, take the bus towards Shorey Village. The bus fare is around $2 BBD. From the Cherry Tree Hill bus stop, it's approximately a 15-minute walk to the windmill.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Barbados. A taxi ride to Morgan Lewis Windmill from Bridgetown will cost approximately $45 - $60 BBD and take around 23 minutes. From Speightstown, a taxi will cost approximately $27 - $33 BBD and take around 10 minutes. Be sure to agree on a fare before starting your journey.

  • Car

    From Bridgetown, follow Highway 2 NE until Shorey Village, then turn right and head up the hill. The drive takes approximately 40 minutes. From Speightstown, drive south towards Highway 1, turn right onto Highway 1 and continue east until you see the sign for Cherry Tree Hill. Turn left onto Cherry Tree Hill and follow the road until you reach Morgan Lewis Windmill. The drive takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Parking is available at or near the location.

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Discover more about Morgan Lewis Windmill

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.

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