Berkeley Memorial
The Circus, Basseterre, St. Kitts
In the middle of the Circus—a roundabout named after London’s Piccadilly Circus—in the center of Basseterre, the Berkeley Memorial is an ornate green tower built in 1883 in honor of Thomas Berkeley, a legislator and owner of several estates on St. Kitts. It has a drinking fountain at the bottom, and on the top is a clock with four faces.
The Basics
Visit the cast iron Berkeley Memorial as part of a walking tour through Basseterre, taking in Independence Square, which was central to the slave trade in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as the National Museum, the courthouse, and the town’s historic churches. Visiting the memorial can also be combined with a sightseeing trip to Brimstone Hill Fortress and a visit to any number of beaches nearby. If you have more time, add on a hike up to the crater of Mount Liamuiga.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Berkeley Memorial is unmissable when walking or driving around the city.
- Be careful if you want to get a closer look, as there is usually a lot of traffic.
- Remember sun protection and water for hydration.
How to Get There
Berkeley Memorial is located at the Circus in the center of Basseterre, which is on the west coast of St. Kitts. From Port Zante, where cruise ships dock, the clock tower is a block away. Drive or take a taxi to get around, as it is not in the safest section of town. If exploring the rest of the island, take the St. Kitts Scenic Railway.
When to Get There
The memorial is a public space. St. Kitts’ peak season runs from December to April, during which time the biggest event of the year, National Carnival (also known as Sugar Mas), ignites the island in the run up to Christmas and New Year. For a more quiet time, visit between May and July when crowds dwindle and temperatures are not as hot and humid. During hurricane season, July to November, there may be limited ships and ferries.
Wingfield Estate Nearby
The oldest sugar estate in the Caribbean was founded in 1625 and was working until the 1900s. Wingfield Estate was such an important sugar plantation, it elevated the island in the region. Now the site is filled with ruins of the sugar mills and distillery. Take a guided tour or follow the signs that explain the history of the site.
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