There’s not much to do or see at Codrington College, but it is wonderfully tranquil and the setting is extremely picturesque, making it well worth a detour if you’re in the area. You arrive down a majestic avenue of lofty cabbage palms, with the coral-stone college immediately ahead.

Walking through the dramatic three-arched portico takes you to a lawn affording splendid views across to the fishing village of Conset Bay. As you enter the portico, note the handsome wood-panelled chapel, on the right; opposite is the hall, containing a bust of the benefactor. In front, a spring-fed ornamental lake is covered with water lilies and surrounded by magnificent kapok, mahogany and cedar trees.

History

The college is named after Christopher Codrington, a wealthy Barbadian who was Governor of the Leeward Islands from 1699 to 1702. He died a few years later, bequeathing his estate to an Anglican missionary society, hoping that a theological institution would be founded. Although the building was completed in 1743, for various reasons, the envisaged theological college didn’t actually happen until 1829–1830. Since then it has had a troubled history, struggling with finances, hurricanes and even a fire. It still trains would-be Anglican vicars but is now affiliated to the University of the West Indies.

Practical Info

Daily 10am–5pm

Adults BD$10; Children BD$2; Guided tour BD$35

By car: Take Highway 4 ENE out of Bridgetown, travelling for 13 miles (22km) (40min).

By bus: The #7 bus to Sargeant Street from Fairchild St Bus Terminal (Bridgetown) passes the college driveway. Check the bus timetable.

1 246 4168051

codringtoncollege.edu.bb