Introduction
The Belmont Plantation in Grenada is a crucial example of the colonial industrial architecture associated with sugar production in the Caribbean. As Crain (2017: 52) notes: “Although other crops were grown in the Caribbean, sugar reigned supreme during colonial days and was the main reason for the competition among European powers for possession of the Caribbean islands”. The central sugar mill, the subject of this analysis, reflects the technological and architectural innovations characteristic of the so-called ‘sugar revolution’ in the eighteenth century. Higman (2000: 213) defines the ‘sugar revolution’ as “commonly regarded as a swift shift from diversified agriculture to sugar monoculture, from production on small farms to large plantations, from free to slave labour, from sparse to dense settlement, from white to black populations, and from low to high value per caput output”. This context is central to understanding the role of the sugar mill in the broader plantation system.
This analysis aims to provide a detailed architectural description of the sugar mill façade, considering its structural features, state of preservation, and potential phases of development. The methodology is mainly based on photographic analysis and architectural drawings, supplemented by historical context.
General description of the mill facade
The sugar mill at Belmont Plantation represents a typical 18th and early 19th-century industrial building in the Caribbean. Its location and position concerning the rest of the plantation are not coincidental. Crain (2017: 52) highlights the critical requirements for a sugar plantation: “The desired ingredients for a sugar plantation were fertile soil, accessible location, proximity to shipping, and a stream of water on the premises”. The spatial arrangement of the plantation, Delle (1998) argues, was critical to the exercise of social control. Crain (2017: 52) details the principal buildings in the work area: “The principal buildings in the work area were the mill, boiling house, curing house, still, and trash house”. The sugar mill at Belmont fits into this pattern, playing a vital role in sugar cane processing.
Although the exact dimensions of the mill are unknown, its proportions are typical of industrial buildings of the period, characterised by extensive open spaces for efficiently handling raw materials and products. The façade style can be described as utilitarian, with architectural elements characteristic of the colonial industrial architecture of the region. Crain (2017: 52-53) describes the different types of mills used in sugar production: “Demanding the least in terms of location was the animal mill, whose building was usually round or octagonal with a conical roof.... Where available, streams or rivers provided the most efficient power, even when the water source was remote from the plantation”. This technological diversity reflects adaptation to local conditions and available resources. A structural analysis of the mill facade at Belmont will provide a deeper understanding of its function and place in the context of the ‘sugar revolution’ in the Caribbean.
Figure 1. Photogrammetric photograph of the facade of the sugar water mill on the Belmont estate. The photograph shows the façade of the Belmont estate’s water mill, which was used for sugar production. The
stone structure of the building, typical of colonial industrial architecture in the Caribbean, is visible. Large openings can be seen on the façade, probably used to house the mill’s water wheel or other mechanical components. Traces of repairs and modifications made over the years can also be seen.
stone structure of the building, typical of colonial industrial architecture in the Caribbean, is visible. Large openings can be seen on the façade, probably used to house the mill’s water wheel or other mechanical components. Traces of repairs and modifications made over the years can also be seen.
Figure 2. A complete analysis of the water mill façade on the Belmont estate includes all layers of information. The drawing shows the outline of the building (black), openings (blue), masonry thread (grey), vegetation zones (green), plaster loss and cracking (red), moving elements (turquoise) and photographic interference (purple). This comprehensive illustration allows an overall assessment of the state of conservation of the façade and the identification of areas requiring conservation intervention.
Visual analysis
The visual analysis of the Belmont Estate sugar mill facade provides invaluable insights into its architectural features, state of preservation, and historical significance. This examination is based on a comprehensive photogrammetric survey and subsequent digital processing, resulting in a series of detailed illustrations (Figures 1-8) that allow for a thorough investigation of the structure’s various aspects.
The overall composition of the facade, as depicted in Figure 1, reveals a triangular gabled structure characteristic of industrial buildings in the Caribbean colonial era. The facade’s dominant feature is its substantial stone masonry, which exhibits a range of textures and patterns indicative of different construction phases and repair interventions over time.
Figure 2 highlights the openings in the facade, including a central arched doorway and a secondary arched opening to the right. These apertures are crucial for understanding the building’s functionality. As Crain (2017: 52) notes, “The desired ingredients for a sugar plantation were fertile soil, accessible location, proximity to shipping, and a stream of water on the premises.” The large central opening likely facilitated the movement of machinery and processed sugar, while the secondary opening may have served auxiliary purposes or allowed for ventilation.
Figure 3. Outline of the watermill building (black) with marked openings (blue). The central window, the door on the right, the ceiling beam opening on the left and an unidentified opening on the right side of the façade are visible. This illustration allows an analysis of the arrangement and proportion of the openings in the building structure.
The masonry pattern, clearly visible in Figure 3, demonstrates irregular stonework in the upper sections and more regularised courses in the lower portions. This variation suggests multiple construction phases or repairs, possibly reflecting the building’s adaptation over time to meet changing production needs. The exposed stonework also provides valuable information about local construction techniques and available materials during the colonial period.
Figure 4. Outline of the watermill building (black) with masonry thread, exposed stones (grey), and openings (blue) visible. This drawing allows analysis of the construction techniques used in the building and identification of areas where the original masonry structure is visible.
Figure 4 illustrates the extensive vegetation growth on the facade, particularly along the roofline and crevices. This biological colonisation, while picturesque, poses significant conservation challenges. The plant growth can lead to structural instability and accelerated degradation of the masonry, necessitating careful consideration in any preservation efforts.
Figure 5. The outline of the watermill building (black) with the masonry thread (grey), openings (blue), and vegetation zones (green) indicates that the façade is overgrown. This illustration makes it possible to assess the impact of biological factors on the state of preservation of the building and to identify areas where vegetation could potentially threaten the façade structure.
The areas of damage and erosion, highlighted in Figure 5, are particularly pronounced around the openings and at the apex of the gable where the roof is missing. These areas of deterioration are critical in assessing the building’s structural integrity and prioritising conservation interventions. The absence of a roof has left the interior and upper sections of the walls exposed to the elements, accelerating the decay process.
Figure 6. An orthophotograph of the water mill façade on the Belmont estate with areas of damage and loss is highlighted (red). The illustration highlights significant damage to the structure, particularly at the top of the façade where the lack of a roof exposes the building to direct weathering. Intense damage is also visible around the window and door openings, suggesting the need for urgent conservation intervention in these areas.
Figure 6 provides a more detailed view of the erosion patterns, with significant material loss evident in the upper sections of the facade. This deterioration pattern is consistent with prolonged exposure to weathering and lack of maintenance, typical of abandoned industrial structures in tropical climates.
Figure 7. Orthophotograph of the facade of the watermill with movable elements highlighted (turquoise). Visible are the cogwheel in the lower left corner, probably part of the original mill mechanism, the beam driven into the wall next to the wheel, and the wooden pillar on the right side of the facade. These elements testify to the preservation of some of the mill’s original equipment and may be a valuable source of information about the mill’s operation in the past.
As shown in Figure 7, the presence of movable elements offers fascinating insights into the mill’s operational history. The large gear wheel visible in the lower left corner is likely a remnant of the original milling machinery. Crain (2017: 53) mentions that “Steam power was introduced in the late eighteenth century but was not widely used in sugar mills until the second half of the nineteenth.” The presence of this gear wheel could indicate either a water-powered or early steam-powered operation, depending on its specific design and the mill’s period of active use.
Figure 8. Orthophotograph of the watermill façade with areas of poor image quality marked (purple). These areas represent locations where identifying objects and structures is difficult due to factors such as shadows, perspective distortion or insufficient resolution of the photograph. These areas require additional analysis or complementary fieldwork to fully understand the state of preservation and building structure in these locations.
Finally, Figure 8 highlights areas where photographic interference or poor image quality impedes detailed analysis. These zones, primarily around the edges of the structure and in shadowed areas, remind us of the limitations of even advanced survey techniques and the need for complementary on-site investigations.
Discussion
The analysed water mill structure on the Belmont estate is a unique example of colonial-period industrial architecture in the Caribbean. Its significance goes beyond purely architectural aspects to encompass a broad historical, social and economic context.
Historical and architectural context
The watermill, an integral part of the sugar production complex, reflects the so-called’ sugar revolution’ that defined the economic and social landscape of the Caribbean in the 17th and 18th centuries. As Higman (2000: 2013) notes, this revolution involved “a shift from diversified agriculture to sugar monoculture, from production on small farms to large plantations, from free to slave labour, from sparse to dense settlement, from white to black populations, and from low to high value per caput output”. The construction of the mill is material evidence of these transformations. The mill’s architecture, with its massive stone facade and distinctive triangular gable, is typical of industrial buildings of the period in the region. However, a detailed analysis of construction techniques and materials can provide valuable information about local adaptations and innovations in colonial construction.
Structural and material analysis
The mill façade shows complex stratigraphy, suggesting multiple phases of construction and repair. Differences in stonework and masonry techniques between the lower and upper parts of the building are evident. This heterogeneity may be the result of repairs, extensions, or adaptations to changing production needs. Particular attention should be paid to the arches of door and window openings. Their design and proportions can provide information about the dating of the different building phases. Comparative studies with other mills in the region could shed light on the evolution of building techniques in sugar production.
Functionality and spatial layout
The layout of the openings in the façade suggests a specific organisation of the internal space adapted to the production process. The central arched entrance probably transported the sugar cane and the finished product. Smaller openings may have had ventilation or lighting functions. The remains of a gear wheel visible in the lower part of the façade (Figure 7) are a crucial element for understanding the mill’s mechanics. Further archaeological investigations could reveal more details about the drive system and its evolution during the mill’s use.
State of preservation and conservation proposals
The state of preservation of the mill is of grave concern. Extensive structural damage is evident, particularly in the upper parts of the building, where the lack of a roof exposes the structure to direct weathering. The priority should be to protect the building from further deterioration by:
(a) Temporary roofing to protect against precipitation
b) Stabilisation of the existing masonry, particularly in areas showing cracks
c) Removal of invasive vegetation, taking care not to damage the masonry structure
The long-term conservation plan should include:
(a) Detailed architectural and archaeological research to fully understand the construction and functional phases of the mill
b) Material analysis of mortar and stone to select appropriate materials for conservation work
c) Development of a plan for adaptation to new functions (e.g. a museum of the sugar industry) while preserving the authenticity of the monument
Directions for further research
Further research should focus on:
(a) Comparative analysis with other mills in the region to establish the typology and chronology of the development of this form of industrial architecture
(b) Archaeological studies of the mill surroundings to understand the broader production context
c) Dendrochronological analysis of the preserved timbers, which could help to date the construction phases precisely
d) Archival research into the history of the Belmont estate and its role in the region’s economy.
Social and educational significance
The watermill on the Belmont estate has the potential to become an important educational centre, illustrating the history of sugar production and its impact on Caribbean society. Its conservation and adaptation for museum purposes could contribute to a better understanding of the region’s complex history, including the problematic aspects of slavery and colonial exploitation.
Summary
The results of the analysis of the watermill on the Belmont estate shed light on the complex building as a document of the multilayeredness of industrial, social, and architectural Caribbean history in the colonial period. With advanced photogrammetric techniques, detailed historical and architectural analysis could be done to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of structure, function, and state of preservation. The paper demonstrates that an interdisciplinary approach is necessary to analyse architectural heritage sites. Only a complex application of the methods of structural archaeology, architectural history, and historic preservation, together with modern documentation technologies, can enable an understanding of the cultural and technological context of the object under study. A watermill that used to exist on the estate of Belmont is very relevant to understanding the well-known ‘sugar revolution’ and its effects on forming the Caribbean cultural landscape. Thus, properly preserving and interpreting this watermill will be of significant importance not only for scientific research but also for public education and preserving memory about the region’s complex past. Further research should aim at detailed comparative analysis with similar sites in the region, detailed archaeological research, and elaboration of a comprehensive plan of conservation and adaptation that provides conditions for the long-term preservation of this valuable monument. On the other hand, this is the place to mention the need for continued monitoring and conservation measures to prevent, or at least slow down, the progressive degradation of this building’s structure. More than that, this watermill on Belmont's estate represents a very rare example of industrial heritage that describes some more general historical and socio-economic processes typical of the Caribbean during the colonial period. Therefore, the preservation and study of this mill will deepen an understanding of the complex relationship between technology, architecture, and social structure in a historical context.
Bibliography
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Delle, J.A., 1998. An Archaeology of Social Space: Analysing Coffee Plantations in Jamaica's Blue Mountains. New York: Plenum Press.
Higman, B.W., 2000. The Sugar Revolution. The Economic History Review, 53(2), pp.213-236.
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