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Forts
Scott Stallard
Bermuda's Forts Still Standing Tall

All 90 forts in Bermuda were built by the British with most made of durable stone which is why they are still standing today. Many of these structures are in good condition, protected as historic sites maintained by the Bermuda Government. Fort Scaur, for example, re-opened after a comprehensive renovation in January 2010.

Many of the forts are now part of the World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO and preserved for future generations. Throughout history, Bermuda has been a strategic British Naval post for North America and the Caribbean. Even during World War II it was an important position for British and American military forces.

9 results total, viewing 1 - 9
Dockyard: The Land Front

What is now the road entrance to Dockyard is the southern boundary of Dockyard constructed in the 1820s and served to protect against attack by a land force. There are a number of buildings - the Right Advance, the Ramparts and magazines at Casemate Barracks. This area was used as a prison for 20 years, know as "Casemates". No public access.

Fort Paget

Located on the southeastern tip of St. George's Island. This was Bermuda's first fort, built in 1612 to defend the original channel in St. George's Harbour. Only the archaeological site exists with features cut into bedrock, such as Musketry trenches. Accessible by boat only.

Fort Popple

Located on the rocky north coast of St. David's Island and built in the 1730s. Paget, Smith and Popple Forts were built to protect the ship channel into St. George's Harbour. This fort was carved from bedrock and overlooks the southeastern coast. The views are spectacular! A quarry is below at waters edge probably for the hard 'wharfblock'. Accessible by foot only, with parking at Great Head Park or St. David's Cricket Field.

Fort St. Catherine

This impressive fort is located on an equally impressive site overlooking the east end of the island. The fort was built in 1614, over the beach where Bermuda's first settlers came ashore. Audio/visual displays depict the island's history. There is a replica of the Crown Jewels guarded by a wax figure of a Beefeater, as well as a gun and weapon collection, and cannons pointing toward the enemy at sea. A superb beach is adjacent to the fort with a food concession. Entrance fee; open daily. Phone: 441.297.1920

Fort William (Western Redoubt)

Located on the northern edge of St. George's, opposite the Unfinished Church. This fort was built to defend the town of St. George's and to give some cover to its harbour. In the 1870s is was converted into a gunpowder magazine by roofing over the ditch and the central barracks, or Keep, making it unique in Bermuda and the countries of the old British Empire. Good parking to the west of the Redoubt.

Gates Fort (Town Cut Battery)

This fort is located at the southeast corner of St. George's Island and the northside of the channel into St. George's Harbour. The gate house, block house and gun rampart were built in the late 1700s and defended a narrow channel for small boats between Higgs and St. George's Island. The waterway was widened in the early 1920s and is one of the first attractions seen from cruise ships entering St. George's. The town crier is usually there to greet the guests. Good access from main road; parking limited.

Landward Fort

Located at the southern tip of Castle Island and constructed in the 1650s, this fort defended the boat channel between Castle Island and the main island of Bermuda, at the end of Tucker's Town area. Accessible by boat only.

Turtle Hill Battery

Located and maintained by the Fairmont Southampton Hotel, there is a Panama Mount only which was erected by the US Army in 1942 when the American Forces assumed the coastal defense of the Island. Good parking at hotel.

Whale Bay Fort and Battery

The two forts are located on the southern coast of Southampton Parish, overlooking Whale Bay. There are no buildings standing. The Battery contains store, barracks and magazine rooms. The forts were built in the mid 1700s to defend the entrance to Hog Fish Channel. Good parking at Whale Bay beach nearby, then by foot.

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