Map/Chart > The Caribbean

The Island of Barbadoes revised by J.W.Norie

This simple little chart is a mid 19th century edition from the London map publisher John William Norie (1772 - 1843). Originally compiled in 1828 the chart presented here was revised, after his death, in 1852 and re-issued.

Description

The chart presented here shows Barbadoes on a large scale.  Norie includes on the chart a detailed plan of Carlisle Bay and Bridgetown the capital.  He also, stylistically, includes a view of North Point and Pelican Island down in the bottom left corner of the chart.

Norie marks on his map over 25 forts, approximately 20 of which are located on the West coast of the island.  It is a clear reminder that the island, which had been in British control since about 1627, had for centuries been in a constant state of military readiness.  Norie also depicts the land relief pictorially and he shows the major roads and settlements up and down the island. Very much in the style of mapping at the time Norie also names the major house and landholders on the island by name.  Meeting houses and churches also feature.