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History of Speightown
 Located along the north-west coast of Barbados, Speightstown is one of the islands major towns and boasts a long and intruiging history.
Settled around 1630, its name is derived from William Speight who owned of the land where the town is located.
In 1649 Admiral Sir George Ayscue was dispatched by Cromwell to quell the insurrection in Barbados. However Barbadians were loyal to Charles 1 and for 6
months Ayscue was unable to land in Barbados as concentrated
attacks on Speightstown were repelled by the small forts along
the shore.
Barbados was landed only with the help of
a defector who led Ayscue and his men to land at Oistins
Town where they met with representatives of the island and signed
what has become known as the "Charter of Barbados". Signed
in 1652, the agreement gave Barbados rights and privileges
unheard of in any other Island. In particular it guaranteed
that Barbados could not be taxed without the consent of
a Barbados General Assembly.
 In the
17th century Speightstown was a major
port with ships regularly arriving from England.
As you stroll through Speightstown you will still see some of the colonial architecture, now existing in harmony with modern buildings.
One fine example is Arlington House Museum,
an eighteenth century house with three floors of exhibits and interactive features.
Speightstown has been twinned with the British town of Reading and with the City of Charleston, South Carolina.
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