Chattel House, Tyrol Cot Heritage Village, St Michael, Barbados
– Click on the image to enlarge or purchase –
A Chattel House is a moveable wooden house that quite literally could be picked up and moved from one site to another. It is a Barbadian term that dates back to the plantation days. The term “chattel” means moveable property so the name could not be more appropriate. Although the term originated in and is associated with Barbados, the name has spread to other Caribbean Islands including Trinidad and the British Virgin islands.
Chattel House, Tyrol Cot Heritage Village, St Michael, Barbados
– Click on the image to enlarge or purchase –
The houses were occupied by the plantation workers. They sat on blocks or other simple foundation rather than being anchored to the ground. They were built entirely of wood and assembled without the use of nails. This allowed them to be easily disassembled and moved from one site to the next. This was necessary because although the workers may have owned the actual house they did not own the land on which it sat, which usually was the property of their employer. If there was ever a dispute with the landlord or the worker left to go to another job their house could be easily dismantled and moved to another site.
Chattel House, Tyrol Cot Heritage Village, St Michael, Barbados
– Click on the image to enlarge or purchase –
Learn more about the history of Barbados here.
Twitter: JimiJones
| June 24, 2014
Very interesting how they have constructed these houses with the forethought of having to move them. They look really solid and comfy. I really like that second shot showing several homes in a park-like setting. Nice work, Mark.
Twitter: ToadHollowPhoto
| July 4, 2014
Wow, talk about character here, Mark, these wonderful little homes literally exude it! Terrific set here, my friend, I can’t pick a favorite to be honest, I really love them all!
Twitter: twitter (username)
| July 6, 2014
Very interesting for sure, these little things are great, nice post