Barbados has acquired the nickname "Little England" because, through the centuries, it has remained the most British of the Caribbean islands. Barbados History and Cultural Information and Travel Guide. Vacation package Book. Since wind currents made it relatively difficult to reach under sail, it was not conquered and reconquered like most of its Caribbean neighbors. British control over Barbados lasted from 1625 until independence in 1966. About fifty male settlers, including some slaves captured en route. Read the entire history of this beautiful Island, Barbados, has a lot to tell about history, culture, economy and people