Bridgetown, city in southwestern Barbados, capital of the island, on Carlisle Bay, in the West Indies. It is the country's chief port and commercial center, with considerable exports of sugar, clothing, and electrical parts and imports of machinery and transportation equipment. Sugar refining, rum production, and tourism are other industries. The University of West Indies, Cave Hill Campus (1963) is here. Trafalgar Square, with its statue of the British admiral Lord Nelson, is a major landmark. Other points of interest include the historic Careenage (ship repair yard); an 18th-century Anglican cathedral; and nearby Garrison Savannah, a former parade ground where international cricket matches and other sports events are held. Bridgetown was founded by the English in 1628. As the capital of the British dependency of Barbados, it became the capital of independent Barbados in 1966. Population (1994) 7,500.
