By: Alyssa Belle
In the northeast of Barbados, far away from the busy traffic of Bridgetown and high above the lush greenery which lies to the west, stands the most unique rock formations which sculpt the parish over the hills – St. Andrew.
The erosion of coral and chalk caps over the years have contributed to the parish’s distinct topography. In fact, clay, chalk and sandstone created Chalky Mount – an area renowned for the production of pottery since the 1600s due to the clay deposits which constitute its hills. Moreover, the establishment of Chalky Mount Potteries render the district as one of the longest standing industrial areas of Barbados.
St. Andrew also positions itself as the most distinctive of the 11 parishes as it is here where the highest point of the island, Mount Hillaby stands at 1,116 feet above sea level.
A Parish with History
The parish was named after Andrew the Apostle, brother of Simon Peter, namesake of the parish of St. Peter. The forgotten addition to the parish title was ‘Overhills’, derived from the fact that St. Andrew exists over the many hills of St. Peter – Four Hill, Farley Hill and Cherry Tree Hill. Barbados further adopted St. Andrew as a patron saint with the decision to mark Independence Day on St. Andrew’s Day – 30th November 1966.
Resourceful Terrain
The parish’s quarried silica sand was the most valuable pillar in the construction industry of Barbados for over 70 years. Used in every home and for commercial buildings, it can be said that a piece of St. Andrew lives within every wall in Barbados.
Now dwindling, the former legendary sand hills have been given a new purpose, making way for a thriving unity between people and the environment at Walkers Reserve. This conservation project has transformed the defunct quarry into a sustainable nature reserve which utilises modern agricultural techniques and promotes ecotourism.
An Ancient Name
It is St. Andrew which is associated with one of the most prolific names in Barbados’ history – that of Alleyne. During the 1700s, Sir John Gay Alleyne, a reputable figure, was a representative for the parish, Speaker of the House of Assembly and founder of The Seminary, now known as Alleyne School. The Alleyne moniker was also tied to many of the sugar plantations within the parish.
One of A Kind
The stunning vistas of the Scotland District, coupled with the dense and bountiful tropical forest of Turner’s Hall Woods, add more to St. Andrew’s unique features. The parish is the home of Morgan Lewis Windmill – the last remaining wind-driven mill of its type in the entire Caribbean. This, along with legendary views over the island and wayward soils make for a truly an unparalleled parish.
A parish with geography found nowhere else and peeking just over the hills – this is St. Andrew.
