Bridgetown

Bridgetown, capital of Barbadoes, on the west coast of the island, and along the north side of Carlisle Bay. A breakwater called Mole Head protects the inner harbour. Bridgetown was founded in 1628, and is said to have derived its name from an Indian bridge in the neighbourhood. By a singular coincidence it was almost burnt down in the year of the great fire of London, and again just 100 years after (1766). In 1831 a hurricane greatly damaged it, and in 1845 there was another fire. The Bishop of Barbadoes lives here, and the town possesses colleges, schools, a barracks and arsenal.