January - March 2009 lime 53

54 lime January - March 2009 century English cannons in the world. Within the Barbados National Cannon Collection is an Elizabethan gun cast in 1600 – the only one known to exist. The Collection also contains one of only two examples in existence from 1652 with Oliver Cromwell's crest. Some of this armoury can be seen in front of the Main Guard building facing the racetrack. This elegant Georgian building of 1802, with its handsome clock tower and wide verandah, is now an information centre and houses exhibits about the West Indian Regiment. As you continue around the Savannah there are numerous 17th- to 19th-century military buildings constructed from brick brought as ballast on ships from England. There are also several memorials, one of which commemorates the death of 15 people and the destruction of the barracks and hospital in a hurricane on 18 August 1831. Another, outside the Barbados Museum in the northeast corner, is in honour of the men of the Royal York Rangers who fell in action against the French in Martinique, Les Saintes and Guadeloupe in the 1809- 10 campaign. The Barbados Museum is housed in a compound that was formerly a military prison, and centred around a large airy courtyard with trees and fl owering shrubs. The museum houses a Natural History gallery, a History Gallery with sections devoted to Amerindian artefacts, Colonial Years, Emancipation, the period leading to Independence, two small but very interesting sections on Education and Religion, Agriculture, Road making, Electricity and Bajan Architecture. Each little cubicle tells a complete story with actual implements shown and photographs from the period. There is the Warmington Gallery, which is a recreation of a house interior where you view through the windows from the outside. The Africa Gallery shows some African kingdoms and many of the links between Africa and our Caribbean traditions and habits. The Children Gallery is highly fascinating, and even adults will enjoy it, especially as it may take you down memory lane ( depending on your age). Completing the circle of historic buildings is St Ann's Fort, which is still used by the Barbados Defence Force. You cannot enter, but look for the crenellated signal tower with its fl ag pole on top. It formed the high command of a chain of signal posts, the most complete of which is at Gun Hill. The long, thin building is the old drill hall. So when next you are in Barbados, make sure you're wearing your walking shoes and visit the Garrison Historic District to be transported back in time. HERITAGE 19th- The Garrison Savannah houses the largest cluster of 17th century English cannons in the world For more information on the Garrison, visit www. barbados. org/ garison. htm The Garrison race track JONATHAN FARMER