BRIDGE TOWN, the capital of the island of Barbadoes, situated in W. Long. 61°. N. Lat. 13°. It stands in the inmost part of Carlisle bay. This originally was a most unwholesome situation, and was chosen entirely for its convenience for trade; but is now deemed to be as healthy as any place in the island. The town itself would make a figure in any European kingdom. It is said to contain 1500 houses, and some contend that it is the finest the British possess in America. The houses in general are well built and finished, and their rents as high as such houses would let for in London. The wharfs and quays are well defended from the sea, and very convenient. The harbour is secure from the north-east wind, which is the constant trade wind there; and Carlisle-bay is capable of containing 500 ships, and is formed by Needham and Pelican points. But what renders Bridge-town the finest and most desirable town in the West Indies is its security against any attacks from foreign enemies. It is defended on the westward by James-fort, which mounts 18 guns. Near this is Willoughby's fort, which is built upon a tongue of land running into the sea, and mounts 12 guns. Needham's fort has three batteries, and is mounted with 20 guns; and St Anne's fort, which is the strongest in the island, stands more within land. In short, according to Mr Douglas, there is all along the lee-shore a breastwork and trench, in which, at proper places, were 29 forts and batteries, having 308 cannon mounted, while the windward shore is secured by high rocks, steep cliffs, and foul ground. Such was the state of the fortifications in 1717; but since that time they have been much strengthened. Bridge-town is destitute of few elegancies or conveniences of life that any city of Europe can afford. The church of St Michael exceeds many English cathedrals in beauty, largeness, and convenience; and has a fine organ, bells, and clock. Here also is a free-school for the instruction of poor boys, an hospital, and a college. The latter was erected by the society for propagating the Christian religion, in pursuance of
the will of Colonel Christopher Codrington, who left about £. 2000 a-year for its endowment, for maintaining professors and scholars to study and practise divinity, surgery, and physic. See CODRINGTON.