Holetown Guide
Holetown, Barbados, formerly known as Jamestown or St. James Town, is a smallish town on Barbados’s western coast. With gentle, aquamarine waters and plenty of sandy beaches to go around, Holetown is a popular Caribbean holiday destination.
A Brief History of Holetown
Holetown was the site of the first permanent settlement by the English in the mid-17th century. In 1625, Captain Henry Powell had set a course for South America, but was blown off-course and onto the island of Barbados. One year later, on February 17, 1626, Captain Powell returned, along with a merchant and business partner, Sir William Courteen, a handful of English settlers, and ten African slaves.
A small stream provided fresh water and a good place to set up camp for the English settlers, as well as a safe place for their ships to unload. This stream became known by the settlers as ‘the hole’ and their settlement gained the nickname ‘Holetown’. This is how Holetown, which was originally called Jamestown, earned its name.
Since 1977, the residents and visitors at Holetown have celebrated their history and the arrival of the first settlers with the Holetown Festival. The festival is one of the most popular annual events in this part of Barbados.
Sites to See in Holetown
Despite being the oldest English settlement in Barbados, Holetown has remained small and doesn’t have too much in the way of man-made attractions; however, if you’re visiting Holetown and you have an interest in history, be sure to stop by the St. James Parish Church.
The St. James Church is the oldest church in all of Barbados, originally erected by the first group of settlers in 1628. The wooden church was completely destroyed in the 1675 hurricane that devastated most of Barbados. In the 1690s, the settlers built a larger, stronger stone church made from native coral and limestone. Although historical records are murky, it is probable that this church, too, was destroyed in another massive hurricane, circa 1780. The church as it exists today was built in 1875.
One of the most interesting features of the St. James Church is not what’s inside, but what lies outside. The church graveyard is the final resting place of many of Holetown’s original settlers, including prominent early residents.
Original settlers still in church graveyard. Legend attached to church – devil’s gate. Gate in north wall left open, bell rings and devil leaves, then the gate is closed right before the service.
Diving and Snorkeling at Folkestone Marine Park
Kids and adults alike will enjoy Folkestone Marine Park, located close to Holetown. On land, the park includes a children’s playground, tennis courts, a basketball court, and picnic benches, as well as a museum. The museum features an aquarium filled with rare native marine life, including corals and sponges, along with photo exhibits.
More interesting to most visitors, however, will be the Recreational Zone around the park. In the Recreational Zone, snorkelers will enjoy exploring the nearby reef. A successful snorkeling trip might include spotting sea anemones, sponges, corals, and sea lilies.
Experienced scuba divers might want to contact a local dive operator to take them on a tour of the Stavronikita, a ship which was intentionally sunk in 1976. A cargo ship, the Stavronikita was mostly destroyed by fire, then towed into port. For two years, the ship stayed uselessly at the port, until Barbados bought the ship to sink it and turn it into a dive site. Resting at a depth of 120 feet, but only half a mile from the shore, the Stavronikita includes an artificial reef that supports local marine life, and fascinating dives around and inside the ship. Some consider the ship to be the best dive site in all of Barbados.
Holetown is a great Barbados destination for the whole family. As a fairly small, quiet town, it is probably best suited as a honeymoon or romantic getaway for couples, but children will also enjoy the pleasant beaches and the marine park.
