Category: architecture
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The Old Mill Cultural Centre
Discover the Heart of Dominican Culture at the Old Mill Cultural Centre Nestled in the picturesque Canefield, just a short drive from Roseau, the Old Mill Cultural Centre stands as a vibrant testament to Dominica’s rich history and cultural heritage. Originally a sugar mill and rum distillery from the colonial era, this beautifully restored site…
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The French Quarter
French Quarter is the oldest part of the city of Roseau. The first Frenchmen settled there already when Roseau was still called Sairi and was the main Kalinago village on the west coast of Dominica. The main square of the French Quarter is Dawbiney Square, currently known as the Old Market. On the map, it…
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Old Prison
1750Built during the French occupation 1761It continued to be used as a prison by the British after capturing the island. It was the only prison in Dominica until1784, when a new one was constructed at the top of King Geroge V Street, to replace it 1784It served as a private residence since the relocation of…
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High Court of Justice
You may notice a crowd gathered outside this is the Courthouse and Registry. Erected in the 1920s early 1930s this is one of the 1st cast concrete buildings using concrete moulds in Dominica. The Hight Court and Registry services moved to the current Post Office building effective April 2022
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Methodist Church
The Methodist Church (1787). Dr. Thomas Coke with three other itinerant Methodist preachers, John Baxter and William Hammet, arrived in Dominica, landing at Portsmouth on 5 January 1787. Coke and his party traveled on to Roseau where they met a mulatto woman – Mrs. Webley – who had been converted in Antigua under the preaching…
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CobbleStone Road -Fort Lane
Cobblestone roads are uncommon these days. At one time, however, road builders used cobblestones in many cities and towns. Building contractors also used them to create buildings. True cobblestones, the building material made of small, natural stones with edges smoothed by water, have been around for centuries. In England, the term cobblestone first appeared in…
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Victoria Memorial Museum
The first library built in Dominica was the Victoria Memorial Library. It was built on the approval given by the Executive Council for the sale of a lot on Church Street and for the purchase of books and furnishings for a new building that would also commemorate the memory of the late Queen Victoria. In…
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Fort Young Hotel
Fort Young Hotel, located in the island’s capital of Roseau, stands upon so much of the island’s history. Dating back to 1699, the location has evolved from a military fort to a central police station, and — as of 1964 — serves as a haven for visitors as Fort Young Hotel. The hotel embodies the…
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St George’s Anglican Church
The Anglican Church came to Dominica as part of the British colonial administration in 1763 and in 1768 the original site of the church was the Newton Savannah. The wooden building however fell into ruin by 1790 and at the time the small Anglican community should little interest in repairing the old church or constructing…
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Lady of Fair Haven
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Fair Haven of Roseau started from humble beginnings & is rich with history. It was initially a small wood hut with a thatched roof made of locally available reed. Kalinago people built the cathedral in the local building tradition. In 1730, Father Guillaume Martel established a permanent church made…
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Carnegie Public Library
The Victoria Memorial Library opened its doors and charged 1p from everyone who entered. The library received a yearly government grant of 75 pounds sterling. It was found that the library was too small, and the Governor at the time, Andrew Bell wrote to Andrew Carnegie, retired industrialist turned philanthropist for $7500 for the construction…
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The Winston Residence
Article by SHAPE Society for Historic Architectural Preservation and Enhancement The Winston residence on King George Vth St. This house has been in the family for four generations.George Austin Winston purchased the house circa World War 2. He was a member of the legislature and executive council. Many a de facto meeting was held on…
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Barracoon Building
Discover the Historic Barracoon Building in Roseau, Dominica. Located in the heart of Roseau, Dominica, the Barracoon Building is a significant historical landmark that offers a glimpse into the island’s rich past. This fascinating structure has played a crucial role in the lives of Dominicans, particularly during the colonial era. A Brief HistoryThe Barracoon Building…