The historical impact of Carlisle Bay as both a financial juggernaut and a tactical military stronghold for the British Empire was laid bare at the latest instalment of the Standpipe Stories: The Bay Street Edition lecture series.

The heritage event, organised by The University of the West Indies in association with the We Gatherin’ Secretariat, was held at the Oceanic Hub on Bay Street on Saturday evening. It brought together a panel of distinguished local historians, including Dr Henderson Carter, Claudette Levi-Farnum, and Fredrick Alleyne.

Delivering the foundational address, maritime historian Dr Jeff Ward detailed how Barbados’ precise geographical location and the natural infrastructure of Carlisle Bay generated unprecedented wealth for the British Crown.