Codd's House Monument in Bridgetown, Barbados, marks the site of William Codd's house, which became the New Town Hall and a meeting place for Parliament from 1837. Full freedom for enslaved workers was proclaimed here on August 1, 1838, and Samuel Jackman Prescod, the first person of colour elected to the House of Assembly, entered Parliament here in 1843.

In the heart of our capital city, Codd's House Monument is easy to pass without a second glance. A quiet plaza, a circular podium and a few shady palms give little away. Yet this small patch of ground hosted some of the most important moments in Barbados' journey.

Declaring Freedom

Codd's House Monument marks the spot where full freedom for the enslaved was proclaimed on August 1, 1838.
Although emancipation had arrived in 1834, slaves were forced into a four-year system of Apprenticeship, still working for their former owners under harsh conditions. The 1838 proclamation made by the Legislature, meeting on this very site, ended Apprenticeship and granted true freedom.

Moving Forward

The story did not stop there. On June 6, 1843, Samuel Jackman Prescod was elected as one of Bridgetown's two parliamentary representatives, becoming the first person of colour elected to the House of Assembly. A journalist and tireless campaigner, he fought for the rights of the poor, and Barbados later honoured him as a National Hero.

Its Origins

Before it was a monument, this was a private home. William T. Codd, a local businessman, bought two houses along Coleridge Street between 1827 and 1837. The house was leased to the government and became the New Town Hall in 1837, serving as a meeting place for Parliament for roughly a decade.

The building would go on to host the island's first public library and the Water Works headquarters.

A Historic Setting

Codd's House Monument sits within the Synagogue Historic District, an area within the city that encompasses a number of historically significant sites including a synagogue dating from 1654, the Jewish cemetery, a ritual mikveh, and the Nidhe Israel Museum.

Codd purchased his houses from Bridgetown's Jewish community, so the monument and the synagogue share a thread of local history. Together they let visitors move in a few steps from a story of religious refuge and commerce to one of freedom and civil rights.

The monument also lies within Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking from Codd's House Monument toward National Heroes Square and the Parliament Buildings, you trace the same path of political change that began on this very corner.

Visiting Codd's House Monument

Explore On Your Own
The monument is easy to include in a walking tour of central Bridgetown. Pair it with the Nidhe Israel Synagogue and Museum, stop by the impressive Montefiore Fountain, then continue toward the Parliament Buildings and National Heroes Square.

Allow time at the monument to read the signage and to sit in the pavilion reflecting on the pivotal events that took place here.

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What People Typically Ask 🤔

What is Codd's House Monument?

Codd's House Monument is a commemorative site in Bridgetown, Barbados, that marks where William Codd's house once stood. The house became the New Town Hall and a meeting place for Parliament, and a monument and pavilion now invite visitors to reflect on its history.

What happened at Codd's House on August 1, 1838?

Full freedom for enslaved persons was proclaimed at Codd's House on August 1, 1838. This ended the four-year Apprenticeship system that followed Emancipation in 1834.

Who was Samuel Jackman Prescod?

Samuel Jackman Prescod (1806-1871) was a journalist and campaigner who, in 1843, became the first person of colour elected to the Barbados House of Assembly. He entered Parliament at Codd's House, fought for the civil rights of the underprivileged classes, and is honoured as a National Hero of Barbados.

What happened to the original Codd's House building?

After its time as the New Town Hall, Codd's House was also used as a public library and as the Water Works headquarters. The original structure was demolished in May 1985.

Where is Codd's House Monument and what is nearby?

Codd's House Monument is in central Bridgetown, within the Synagogue Historic District. That district includes the Nidhe Israel Synagogue (1654), the Jewish cemetery, the mikveh and the Nidhe Israel Museum, and National Heroes Square and the Parliament Buildings are a walk away.

Is Codd's House Monument part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes. Codd's House Monument lies within Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011.