Betty’s Hope
Introduction
Betty’s Hope, located in Antigua and Barbuda, is a remarkable site that offers a vivid glimpse into the island’s rich history of sugar production. Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Antigua, this historic windmill complex welcomes visitors to explore a preserved piece of colonial agricultural heritage. As one of the most notable plantation windmills on the island, Betty’s Hope invites curious travellers to step back in time and connect with the craftsmanship and ingenuity of past generations.
About the Museum
The Betty’s Hope museum comprises two adjacent tower mills, each with its own unique story and character. The North Mill was restored to working order in 1995. It bears the inscription “Built by Richard Buckley Anno Domini 1737”, though it is believed that the date actually pertains to modifications such as shifting the south opening and enhancing the archways with bricks and lintels. The mill remained in operation until approximately 1850, when steam power replaced wind power at the estate. The structure features three arched openings, an oval porthole window above the main arch, a datestone, and a fireplace high on its blank east wall. The sugar mill machinery now housed within the tower was donated by John Ferdie Shoul and Anthony Shoul after being removed from Thibou’s Mill. That machinery was restored between 1990 and 1992 by Lawson M. Whiting from Macedon, New York. Millwrighting assistance was also provided by Jerry Bardoe and Chippy’s Woodwork. The windshaft currently in place bears the name “Fawcett & Co, Liverpool” and is dated 1895, while the sugar mill machinery is credited to “G Fletcher & Co, London & Derby”.
On the same site stands the South Mill, which was converted in antiquity into a water storage cistern. All of its original openings were filled in during that adaptation. During the restoration of the North Mill, efforts were made to clear undergrowth and conserve the South Mill, but the conversion into a cistern was intentionally preserved as a significant example of historical adaptive reuse.
Beyond the towers themselves, visitors to the museum can observe a “spare” cast iron windshaft approximately six metres long, complete with an attached gear wheel, and the broken remains of a cross to which the sails were once fastened. It is also noteworthy that the sails of the North Mill are removed during hurricane season, ensuring the preservation and safety of the structure.
Interesting Facts
- Historic inscription may reflect restoration rather than original build date: The date Anno Domini 1737 likely commemorates modifications, not the original construction.
- Machinery donation and restoration: The sugar mill machinery was donated by John Ferdie Shoul and Anthony Shoul, and restored by Lawson M. Whiting from New York, with additional work by skilled millwrights.
- Adaptive reuse: The South Mill’s transformation into a water storage cistern reflects a creative and functional adaptation, deliberately preserved during restoration.
- Preservation of additional artifacts: The site includes a spare windshaft with its gear wheel and fragments of a cross from the sails, offering visitors a tangible connection to the mill’s working past.
- Seasonal care: The North Mill’s sails are removed during hurricane season, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to protecting this historic structure.
Photo Gallery
Physical Location
Contact Details
Website: windmillworld.com/world/antigua.htm
Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Betty’s%20Hope/129191383789319/#
Conclusion
Betty’s Hope stands as a beautifully preserved testament to Antigua and Barbuda’s colonial sugar industry and the enduring ingenuity of earlier generations. Visitors to the museum can explore the restored North Mill, admire the historic machinery and craftsmanship, and reflect upon the creative preservation of the South Mill as a water storage cistern. This site offers more than just architectural interest—it provides a window into a transformative era, where technology, adaptation, and historical context converge. Whether you are passionate about history, engineering, or cultural heritage, Betty’s Hope delivers an enriching and memorable experience that brings the past vividly to life.
