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St. Mary's Anglican Church: A Historic Landmark in Bridgetown

Discover St. Mary's Anglican Church in Bridgetown: a historic sanctuary with stunning architecture and a rich cultural heritage.

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St. Mary's Anglican Church, located on Suttle Street in Bridgetown, Barbados, stands as a testament to the island's rich history and enduring faith. Built on the second-oldest consecrated ground in Barbados, it offers a serene escape with its Georgian and Gothic architecture.

A brief summary to St Mary's Church

Local tips

  • Visit during a service to experience the church's vibrant community and hear its beautiful organ music.
  • Take a walk around the churchyard to see the graves of prominent Barbadians and the historic Justice Tree.
  • Admire the stained-glass windows and intricate woodwork inside the church.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal, exit the terminal and head towards the main road. Walk east for about 0.5 miles (800 meters) until you reach the junction with Suttle Street. Turn left onto Suttle Street, and St Mary's Church will be on your left. No cost involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Fairchild Street Bus Terminal in Bridgetown, walk west along Lower Broad Street. Turn left onto Suttle Street, and St Mary's Church will be on your right. The bus fare is BDS$3.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Bridgetown. A short taxi ride from the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal or another point in the city center to St. Mary's Church will cost approximately BBD 20.00 base fee plus BBD 3.8 per kilometer. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your ride.

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Discover more about St Mary's Church

St. Mary's Anglican Church, a majestic edifice in the heart of Bridgetown, Barbados, is a powerful symbol of faith, history, and community. Located on Suttle Street, this Anglican church is more than just a place of worship; it's a living testament to the island's rich cultural and spiritual heritage, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience the serenity within its walls. The story of St. Mary's Church is deeply intertwined with the history of Bridgetown itself. The church occupies what is considered the second-oldest consecrated ground in Barbados, a site initially home to the first city church, later known as St. Michael's Cathedral. This original wooden structure, built in 1641, served the growing colonial community but was deemed inadequate by 1665. Plans for relocation were underway when the devastating hurricane of 1780 swept across Barbados, destroying the church and leaving the consecrated ground vacant for over four decades. During this period, the site, known locally as the "Old Churchyard," became a burial ground for non-white residents and a gathering place for public occasions. Historical records even mention celebrations held there, such as the birthday of King George II. In 1825, the government of Barbados decided to rebuild a grander church on the vacant lot. On July 27, 1827, St. Mary's Church was consecrated by Bishop William Hart Coleridge. The architecture of St. Mary's Church is a captivating blend of Georgian and Gothic styles, reflecting the era in which it was built. The exterior, characterized by its symmetrical facade, elegant bell tower, and distinctive red roof, exudes a sense of timeless grace. Constructed entirely of ballast bricks, the church is a testament to the craftsmanship of the 19th century. Stepping inside St. Mary's Church is like entering a sanctuary of tranquility. The interior is adorned with intricate woodwork, soaring ceilings, and stunning stained-glass windows that depict biblical scenes. Sunlight filtering through the colorful glass creates a soft, ethereal glow, illuminating the simple yet elegant interior. The beautiful wooden pews and the ornate altar reflect the artistry of the period, inviting visitors to pause and reflect. Some little-known details about this city church include the fact that Samuel Jackman Prescod, one of Barbados' National Heroes and the first non-white to be elected to the national parliament (1843) is interred in the church's cemetery. Additionally, the impressively beautiful silk cotton tree growing at the east end of the church yard was known as the 'Justice Tree' since it was used for public hangings conducted in the city.

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