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Blackwoods Screw Dock: A Victorian Maritime Marvel

Explore the last remaining screw dock in the world, a testament to Victorian engineering and Barbados's rich maritime history in Bridgetown.

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Blackwoods Screw Dock in Bridgetown, Barbados, is a unique historical landmark. Constructed between 1889 and 1893, it's the last remaining screw-lifting dock of its kind worldwide. Though not fully operational, it offers a glimpse into Barbados's maritime past and Victorian engineering.

A brief summary to Blackwoods Screw Dock Barbados

Local tips

  • Visit during the daytime to explore nearby historic sites such as the Parliament Buildings and St. Mary's Church.
  • Take time to read the information boards around Blackwoods Screw Dock to gain insights into its rich history.
  • Be respectful towards locals and other visitors to fully enjoy your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Fairchild Street Bus Terminal in Bridgetown, head southwest towards the waterfront. Walk along Wharf Road, passing the Chamberlain Bridge on your left. Continue until you reach the Pier Head area. Blackwoods Screw Dock will be visible on your right, near the water's edge. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. There are no specific costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus routes stop near Blackwoods Screw Dock. Look for buses heading towards the Pier Head or the Careenage. Bus routes 12D, 13B, 16A, 1C, and 1D are known to stop nearby. The nearest bus station is Wharf Road, a 5-minute walk away. The bus fare is 3.50 BBD per person.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis are readily available throughout Bridgetown. A taxi ride from the bus terminal or any central location in Bridgetown to Blackwoods Screw Dock will typically cost between 10-15 BBD. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Ride-sharing services are also available, with similar pricing.

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Discover more about Blackwoods Screw Dock Barbados

Blackwoods Screw Dock, nestled in the heart of Bridgetown, Barbados, stands as a remarkable testament to maritime history. This Victorian-engineered screw dock, constructed between 1889 and 1893 by John Blackwood, is the last remaining screw-lifting mechanism of its kind globally. Once a bustling hub for ship repairs and maintenance, it could accommodate vessels up to 1,200 gross registered tons. In the 17th century, Barbados was the largest port in the western hemisphere. By the 19th century, Bridgetown remained a crucial hub, with approximately 1,500 vessels calling each year. The mouth of the Constitution River, known as the Careenage, became a center for ship repair. Ships were careened (beached and laid over) for scraping, painting, and repairs. The design of Blackwoods Screw Dock is a superb example of Victorian engineering. It uses power screws for lifting and trussed timber beams for the transverse girders. The screw jacks were spaced to keep down the loading on individual screws and beams. The dock measures 240 feet long by 46 feet wide. Ships entering the screw dock were guided into position. The process involved turning the wheels of the docks to slowly raise the ship completely out of the water. The dock originally operated on steam power but was later converted to electricity. Today, Blackwoods Screw Dock is in a state of disrepair. In the 1980s, the Barbados Coast Guard Station was moved into the Pierhead, limiting the dock's availability. However, plans are underway to restore the dock as part of a broader tourism development project. Visitors can explore the waterfront, take photographs, and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Bridgetown's harbor. Nearby attractions include the Parliament Buildings, Nidhe Israel Synagogue, and the historic Careenage.

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