Located in the central parish of St. Thomas, the Rock Hall Freedom Village is the site of the first freehold village created by former slaves in 1841, just 3 years after full Emancipation from slavery.

History

Rock Hall is both a Free Village and a Bequest Village. In 1821 the owner of the Mount Wilton Plantation died, leaving in his will money for the enslaved persons of the plantation. It took a further 20 years for the freed slaves to receive the funds which they used to buy land in the Rock Hall area.

A plaque at the site reveals the names of the early families who established their homes here, along with a moving tribute to the struggles and ultimate triumph of the enslaved people of Barbados.

Today

Officially opened in 2022, the Freedom Village is a fine example of community tourism, with residents of St. Thomas being fully involved in the project including artisans during the construction of the site and proprietors of the on-site shops.

At the entrance are several small shops built in the traditional chattel house style and painted in bright tropical colours. These house a souvenir shop and restaurant.

One of the focal points is the Rock Hall Freedom Monument, which stands proudly over the site. This bronze/steel statue was unveiled in 2005 and depicts a family of three ex-slaves who set up their home and began a new life at Rock Hall.
It is reminiscent of the Monument to the Barbadian Family in our capital city Bridgetown.

A winding walkway leads over a natural gully from the entrance to the monument site.

There is a large open amphitheatre, perfect for outdoor concerts and performances, and a small picnic area.

At the entrance you'll encounter the wall of one of the old houses of the village, which has been left intact.