The book “Old Doll, Matriarch of Newton Plantation” by Dr. Karl Watson is published by The Barbados Museum & Historical Society. It is on sale at the Museum shop and other good bookstores.
This small book makes interesting reading, despite the many printer’s errors. It gives the history of a family of slaves and their relationship with their masters, both in Barbados and England.
Some buildings, that may have had their origin in the 1800’s are still standing and have been modernised and are used for various manufacturing industries.
Below are a series of photographs of Newton Plantation as it is today. Click on the photos to see an enlarged version with a commentary. The map on page #6 of the book is easy to follow and the various areas named can be located without too much effort.
Unfortunately the Slave Burial Ground only has a sign indicating what this area was used for. This is a pity. It should be a national park.
In the 1960’s the Gill family lived in what was the Great House and they tell stories that it was haunted by at least 2 ghosts. There are several well documented sightings by many people over a period of many years.
The house has since been demolished and I guess these spirits have moved on. You can click on the thumbnail image to see a larger image with captions.
Newton Slave Burial Ground. This is the only know slave burial ground in Barbados.
Newton Great House Entrance. When Mr Wood returned from a holiday at Bathsheba, he saw the slaves having a fun day, organised by Old Doll and Family. Donkey races, gambling, and much food and drink were part of the festivities.
Newton Great House Entrance. When Mr Wood returned from a holiday at Bathsheba, he saw the slaves having a fun day, organised by Old Doll and Family. Donkey races, gambling, and much food and drink were part of the festivities.
Newton Great House Entrance. When Mr Wood returned from a holiday at Bathsheba, he saw the slaves having a fun day, organised by Old Doll and Family. Donkey races, gambling, and much food and drink were part of the festivities.
Only Remains of Newton Great House. Not much remains of the house that the Newton family would have lived in in Old Doll's days.
Long Bottom.
Long Bottom. This field still yields a good crop.
Lower & Upper Grass Pond. Tilled and ready for planting. Picture taken from ABC Highway.
Lower and Upper Grass Pond. The ABC Highway now cuts through this field.
Lower and Upper Grass Pond.
Lower Duck Pond. Taken from Entrance of Great House. Old Doll and family would have lived on the hill in the distance, in the area of the Casuarina Trees.
Lower North Negro Yard. The Slave Village would have been in this area.
South Negro Yard. Looking North from original cart Road still in use.
Upper North Negro Yard. This depression is clearly marked on the map.
Lower Well from Burial Ground. The cart road dividing Lower Well and the Burial Ground is still used today.
Slave Burial Ground. Looking West from Lower Well.
North and South Rose Pond. The ABC Highway with Henry Forde roundabout is in the top centre.
Newton Plantation Yard. Old Building with replica hinges and new doors.
Newton Plantation Yard. Old Building with replica hinges and new doors.
Slave Burial Ground. This area needs to be kept clean and tidy.
Slave Burial Ground. Looking towards Newton Factory with North and South Grand Rock in the foreground.
Slave Burial Ground. Looking towards Newton Factory with North and South Grand Rock in the foreground.
Slave Burial Ground. View from Barhill.
A bit of broken pottery found on the burial ground.
The Great House.