Arlington House Museum: A Glimpse into Speightstown's Past
Explore Barbados' captivating history at Arlington House Museum, an interactive journey through Speightstown's vibrant past.
Arlington House Museum, nestled in the heart of historic Speightstown, offers a captivating journey through Barbados's rich and complex past. Housed in a meticulously restored 18th-century building, once a merchant's residence and business, the museum brings history to life through engaging and immersive displays. Built around 1750, Arlington House is a testament to the architectural styles of the time, featuring thick walls constructed of coral, limestone, and rubble masonry. The house's design served as a model for other merchant homes in Speightstown and even influenced buildings in Charleston, South Carolina, reflecting the historical connections between Barbados and the United States. The museum's exhibits are spread across three floors, each dedicated to a different facet of Barbados's story. "Speightstown Memories," located on the ground floor, explores the lives of the island's first settlers and the town's early days. Discover the stories of merchants, sailors, and everyday citizens who shaped Speightstown into a thriving community. The second floor, "Plantation Memories," delves into the era of colonization and the sugar cane industry. This exhibit examines the profound impact of the plantation system on Barbados, including the role of slavery in shaping the island's economy and society. The exhibit also acknowledges Barbados's role in the transatlantic slave trade, as it was often the first destination reached on voyages from Africa. On the third floor, "Wharf Memories" brings to life the tales of pirates and the importance of Speightstown as a trading hub. Hear the story of the infamous Barbadian pirate captain, Stede Bonnet.
Local tips
- Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the three floors of exhibits.
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through historic Speightstown.
- Check out the gift shop for books and souvenirs related to Barbadian history.
A brief summary to Arlington House Museum
- Speightstown, Saint Peter, BB
- +1246-422-4064
Getting There
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Walking
Arlington House Museum is located in the heart of Speightstown, a short walk from most points within the town. From the Speightstown bus terminal, walk south along Queen Street. The museum will be on your left. There is a public car park a short walk away. Note that some streets in Speightstown have recently become one-way to address traffic congestion. Parking is limited.
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Public Transport
From Bridgetown, take the bus #27 to Speightstown Terminal. From the terminal, walk south along Queen Street to reach the museum. The bus journey from Bridgetown to Speightstown takes approximately 47 minutes and costs $1 - $2. Buses depart every 15 minutes.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available from Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) to Speightstown. The journey takes approximately 18 minutes and costs $40 - $50. From there, Arlington House Museum is easily accessible on foot. Taxis can also be hired from Bridgetown to Speightstown, with similar travel times and costs.
