National Armory y St. Ann’s Fort
National Armory and St. Ann’s Fort (access via Barbados Defense Force HQ, Bridgetown, St. Michael Parish) – this is now home to the world’s finest collection of 17th century English cannons (such as the Commonwealth Cannon of 1652 — one of only two known to still exist). An area worthy of being a movie set, the Armory also houses a recreation of the Mermaid Tavern where the Charter of Barbados was signed, a bottle collection, plans of the fort, maps, and colorful depictions of soldiers in days gone by. The premises also have more recent relics from the High Altitude Research Project gun. The largest ever made, this gun could fire projectiles 99 miles high.
Due to its location in a functioning military complex, this venue is not for walk-ins. Tours must be booked in advance and will receive a rare trip back in time that includes impressive fortifications, a dramatic, almost underground chamber filled with cannons and more, a glimpse of still-used 19th century barracks, and a visit to the Drill Hall, where illustrations and artifacts tell the surprising story of the West India Regiment. Call for more info: (246) 427-1436