Throughout the island are the remains of settlements of the Arawaks, the first Amerindian inhabitants of Barbuda. Recently a human skeleton was found, dating back to these times. There are many known sites and it is quite easy to find fragments of pottery and conch shells used centuries ago. Visitors must obtain permission from the Barbuda Council before excavating any remains and it is essential that all artefacts are presented to the Council in order that they remain on the island. Visit our archaeology page to learn more about excavations in Barbuda.
Codrington House
The ruins of Codrington House, known locally as "Willy Bob" or Highland House, is situated on the highest part of the island, about three miles north of Codrington Village. The floors and lower walls, and a large cistern are all that remain of the family settlement of the slave owners, the Codringtons. The view from the house is the best way to see most of the coastline of Barbuda. Read the historical notes to learn more about the colonial history of Barbuda.
The Martello Tower
The Martello Tower is near the beach at River, three miles south of the village. It is impossible to miss this site, all visitors pass by on their way to Coco Point and Access Beach. The tower has a raised gun platform and extremely thick walls, but is missing the floors. This type of fortification was modelled on a tower built on Cape Mortella during the Napoleonic Wars in the early nineteenth century. However, there was a fort on the site before, probably built by the Spanish.
Government House
Government House is located in the centre of Codrington Village, behind the Post Office. The building dates from 1694 and by the gate has a block for a rider to stand on to mount and dismount a horse. The building was lived in by the Wardens, who were the representatives of the British Government from the time the Codringtons left until 1976. The stables for Government House are now used as classrooms by the Holy Trinity School. Unfortunately the house was severely damaged by Hurricane Luis in 1995 and has yet to be repaired.
The Ginnery
The Ginnery is one of the buildings used by the Barbuda Council and was previously used as classrooms for the school. Salt and cotton were stored here from the days of slavery until well into the 1900s. The salt was still coated on the walls 10 years ago when the web designer taught here and one could see dates and quantities stencilled on the beams.
Other original buildings
In Codrington Village are many original buildings, old houses, and dry stone walls. Some have been incorporated into newer buildings and others remain. At one time the whole village was walled to prevent animals from entering. There are several wells that are still used by Barbudans for their water supply.
Scattered round the island are many ruined stone look-outs and storage buildings. The one at Gun Shop Cliff, to the east of Highland House, is said to have been erected in the late nineteenth century as part of a phosphate mining operation which took place in one of the caves.