The Main Guard, with its instantly recognizable clock tower is the the building which truly identifies this as the Barbados Garrison! It was built in 1804 and occupies what is the geographical centre of the 151 acre Garrison Historic area. As its name implies, it was effectively the central military police station and it was here that all sentries and guard houses were administered. It was also when the courts marshall was held, dispensing judgements and punishments to those personnel brought before it.

After the British forces were withdrawn in 1905, the building became the home of a private members organization called the Savannah Club, often hosting tennis matches on its several courts. In 1979, the government took possession of the property and it once again became known as the ‘Main Guard’ housing the offices of the Barbados legion and the Poppy League.

Today, it is also the home of the Barbados Legion’s ‘Sentries and Drum Core of Barbados’, who perform the ‘Changing of the Sentry’ every Thursday, as well as on other special occasions.

Though no longer in use, the clock tower still houses the original 1803 Thwaites clock movement. The clock currently functions electronically, while the 1803 movement awaits restoration.