Fort Berkeley: Difference between revisions
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'''Fort Berkeley''' is a historic military fort on the island of [[Antigua]]. It is located at the entrance to [[English Harbour]] in [[Saint Paul, Antigua and Barbuda|Saint Paul]] parish. The fort was built in 1704 and expanded in the mid 18th century. It is part of Nelson's Dockyard National Park<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Forts {{!}} Nelson's Dockyard National Park |url=https://www.nationalparksantigua.com/forts/ |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=www.nationalparksantigua.com}}</ref> and |
'''Fort Berkeley''' is a historic military fort on the island of [[Antigua]]. It is located at the entrance to [[English Harbour]] in [[Saint Paul, Antigua and Barbuda|Saint Paul]] parish. The fort was built in 1704 and expanded in the mid 18th century. It is part of Nelson's Dockyard National Park<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Forts {{!}} Nelson's Dockyard National Park |url=https://www.nationalparksantigua.com/forts/ |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=www.nationalparksantigua.com}}</ref> and the [[Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites]] [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Centre |first=UNESCO World Heritage |title=Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1499/ |access-date=2023-10-10 |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |language=en}}</ref> |
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== History == |
== History == |
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Fort |
Fort Berkeley was built in 1704, on a [[Peninsula|peninsular]] strip of land at the entrance to English Harbour.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Waters |first=Christopher Kurt |date=2018 |title=Putting Forts in Their Place: The Politics of Defense in Antigua, 1670-1785 |url=https://surface.syr.edu/etd/980/ |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=Syracuse University Libraries |publisher=[[Syracuse University]] |language=en |type=Doctoral Dissertation}}</ref> It was originally a simple fortification, consisting of an enclosed area with a gate and guardhouse.<ref name=":3" /> A construction of the Antiguan government, the fort was manned by government hires rather than by soldiers.<ref name=":0" /> |
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In 1745, Fort Berkeley was significantly expanded and upgraded with the development of English Harbour's [[Nelson's Dockyard|Naval dockyard]].<ref name=":1" /> The first half of the new battery was built by the Antiguan government. The |
In 1745, Fort Berkeley was significantly expanded and upgraded with the development of English Harbour's [[Nelson's Dockyard|Naval dockyard]].<ref name=":1" /> The first half of the new battery was built by the Antiguan government. The second half was built by the Royal Navy under Commodore [[Sir Charles Knowles, 1st Baronet|Charles Knowles]].<ref name=":1" /> According to Knowles, he commissioned the construction's completion after the Antiguan government refused to continue funding the construction.<ref name=":1" /> As a result, the two halves of the battery were built with two different architectural and tactical styles.<ref name=":1" /> The British government criticized and removed Commodore Knowles from his post for involving the British in the completion of the battery, which they saw as an Antiguan government responsibility.<ref name=":1" /> |
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After its expansion in the 1740s, Fort Berkeley had a [[Magazine (artillery)|magazine]] and a guardhouse, and was armed with 29 guns: 19 mounted cannons and an additional battery of 10 guns belonging to the Navy.<ref name=":1" /> Additionally, the fort had an iron chain that was strung across the harbour's entrance from |
After its expansion in the 1740s, Fort Berkeley had a [[Magazine (artillery)|magazine]] and a guardhouse, and was armed with 29 guns: 19 mounted cannons and an additional battery of 10 guns belonging to the Navy.<ref name=":1" /> Additionally, the fort had an iron chain that was strung across the harbour's entrance from [[Fort Charlotte, Antigua and Barbuda|Fort Charlotte]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2014 |title=The Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites: World Heritage Site Nomination Document |url=https://whc.unesco.org/uploads/nominations/1499.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705180012/https://whc.unesco.org/uploads/nominations/1499.pdf |archive-date=July 5, 2020 |website=[[UNESCO]] World Heritage Convention}}</ref> The chain could be raised to prevent vessels from entering the harbour.<ref name=":3" /> |
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In 1783, the Antiguan government turned the fort over to the British Navy.<ref name=":1" /> In 1807, the British added the gunpowder magazine to the fort.<ref name=":0" /> There is evidence that Fort Berkeley was used as a quarantine station.<ref name=":3" /> |
In 1783, the Antiguan government turned the fort over to the British Navy.<ref name=":1" /> In 1807, the British added the gunpowder magazine to the fort.<ref name=":0" /> There is evidence that Fort Berkeley was used as a quarantine station.<ref name=":3" /> In 1843, an earthquake destroyed most of Fort Berkeley's original wall.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Vaitilingam |first=Adam |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mIP0T3hGT1UC |title=The Rough Guide to Antigua and Barbuda |date=2001 |publisher=Rough Guides |isbn=978-1-85828-715-7 |language=en}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | In 1984, Fort Berkeley became part of Nelson's Dockyard National Park.<ref name=":12">{{Cite book |last1=Stanford |first1=Emma |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UBdPDQAAQBAJ&q=shirley+heights |title=National Geographic Traveler - The Caribbean: Ports of Call and Beyond |last2=Hanna |first2=Nick |date=2016-10-04 |publisher=National Geographic Books |isbn=978-1-4262-1709-8 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":02">{{Cite web |title=Shirley's Heights {{!}} Nelson's Dockyard National Park |url=https://www.nationalparksantigua.com/shirleys-heights/ |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=www.nationalparksantigua.com}}</ref> In 2016, it became part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as UNESCO recognized the English Harbour dockyard and the surrounding military archaeological sites together as "The Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites."<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Centre |first=UNESCO World Heritage |title=Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1499/ |access-date=2023-10-10 |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=About the National Park {{!}} Nelson's Dockyard National Park |url=https://www.nationalparksantigua.com/about/ |access-date=2023-10-10 |website=www.nationalparksantigua.com}}</ref> |
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The current remains of Fort Berkeley include the powder magazine, guard house, [[crenelated]] walls, and a canon from 1805 in its original position.<ref name=":1" /> The fort is accessible via a short nature trail called Fort Berkeley Trail.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /> |
The current remains of Fort Berkeley include the powder magazine, guard house, [[crenelated]] walls, and a canon from 1805 in its original position.<ref name=":1" /> The fort is accessible via a short nature trail called Fort Berkeley Trail.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /> |
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| ⚫ | In 1984, Fort Berkeley became part of Nelson's Dockyard National Park.<ref name=":12">{{Cite book |last1=Stanford |first1=Emma |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UBdPDQAAQBAJ&q=shirley+heights |title=National Geographic Traveler - The Caribbean: Ports of Call and Beyond |last2=Hanna |first2=Nick |date=2016-10-04 |publisher=National Geographic Books |isbn=978-1-4262-1709-8 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":02">{{Cite web |title=Shirley's Heights {{!}} Nelson's Dockyard National Park |url=https://www.nationalparksantigua.com/shirleys-heights/ |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=www.nationalparksantigua.com}}</ref> In 2016, it became part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as UNESCO recognized the English Harbour dockyard and the surrounding military archaeological sites together as "The Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites."<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Centre |first=UNESCO World Heritage |title=Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1499/ |access-date=2023-10-10 |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=About the National Park {{!}} Nelson's Dockyard National Park |url=https://www.nationalparksantigua.com/about/ |access-date=2023-10-10 |website=www.nationalparksantigua.com}}</ref> |
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== Preservation == |
== Preservation == |
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Stabilization projects have been implemented due to waves eroding the peninsula on which the Fort sits.<ref name=":3" /> Nelson's Dockyard National Park began a maintenance program to keep the walls of Fort Berkeley intact to deflect the storm surges.<ref name=":3" /> Antigua's National Parks Authority have discussed plans for further stabilization of the ruins and protection of the peninsula and the harbour.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 July 2023 |title=Ambassador and delegation from US Embassy tour |
Stabilization projects have been implemented due to waves eroding the peninsula on which the Fort sits.<ref name=":3" /> Nelson's Dockyard National Park began a maintenance program to keep the walls of Fort Berkeley intact to deflect the storm surges.<ref name=":3" /> Antigua's National Parks Authority have discussed plans for further stabilization of the ruins and protection of the peninsula and the harbour.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 July 2023 |title=Ambassador and delegation from US Embassy tour Nelson's Dockyard National Park |work=Antigua Observer |url=https://antiguaobserver.com/ambassador-and-delegation-from-us-embassy-tour-nelsons-dockyard-national-park/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=17 May 2023 |title=Italian Government partners with Antigua's National Park on Climate Change Adaptation & Heritage Site Preservation |work=Antigua Observer |url=https://antiguaobserver.com/italian-government-partners-with-antiguas-national-park-on-climate-change-adaptation-heritage-site-preservation/}}</ref> |
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== Gallery == |
== Gallery == |
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{Reference list}} |
{{Reference list}} |
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[[Category:Forts in Antigua and Barbuda]] |
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[[Category:English Harbour]] |
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[[Category:Military installations established in 1704]] |
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[[Category:1700s establishments in the Caribbean]] |
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[[Category:Buildings and structures in Antigua and Barbuda]] |
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[[Category:Saint Paul Parish, Antigua and Barbuda]] |
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Latest revision as of 21:23, 1 April 2024
| Fort Berkeley | |
|---|---|
| English Harbour, Antigua | |
 View of Fort Berkeley remains | |
  Fort Berkeley  Fort Berkeley | |
| Coordinates | 17°00′N 61°46′W / 17.00°N 61.76°W |
| Type | Fortification |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Condition | Partially restored |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1704 |
| In use | 1700s-1820s |
Fort Berkeley is a historic military fort on the island of Antigua. It is located at the entrance to English Harbour in Saint Paul parish. The fort was built in 1704 and expanded in the mid 18th century. It is part of Nelson's Dockyard National Park[1] and the Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites UNESCO World Heritage Site.[2]
History[edit]
Fort Berkeley was built in 1704, on a peninsular strip of land at the entrance to English Harbour.[1][3] It was originally a simple fortification, consisting of an enclosed area with a gate and guardhouse.[4] A construction of the Antiguan government, the fort was manned by government hires rather than by soldiers.[1]
In 1745, Fort Berkeley was significantly expanded and upgraded with the development of English Harbour's Naval dockyard.[3] The first half of the new battery was built by the Antiguan government. The second half was built by the Royal Navy under Commodore Charles Knowles.[3] According to Knowles, he commissioned the construction's completion after the Antiguan government refused to continue funding the construction.[3] As a result, the two halves of the battery were built with two different architectural and tactical styles.[3] The British government criticized and removed Commodore Knowles from his post for involving the British in the completion of the battery, which they saw as an Antiguan government responsibility.[3]
After its expansion in the 1740s, Fort Berkeley had a magazine and a guardhouse, and was armed with 29 guns: 19 mounted cannons and an additional battery of 10 guns belonging to the Navy.[3] Additionally, the fort had an iron chain that was strung across the harbour's entrance from Fort Charlotte.[4] The chain could be raised to prevent vessels from entering the harbour.[4]
In 1783, the Antiguan government turned the fort over to the British Navy.[3] In 1807, the British added the gunpowder magazine to the fort.[1] There is evidence that Fort Berkeley was used as a quarantine station.[4] In 1843, an earthquake destroyed most of Fort Berkeley's original wall.[5]
The current remains of Fort Berkeley include the powder magazine, guard house, crenelated walls, and a canon from 1805 in its original position.[3] The fort is accessible via a short nature trail called Fort Berkeley Trail.[1][4]
In 1984, Fort Berkeley became part of Nelson's Dockyard National Park.[6][7] In 2016, it became part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as UNESCO recognized the English Harbour dockyard and the surrounding military archaeological sites together as "The Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites."[8][9]
Preservation[edit]
Stabilization projects have been implemented due to waves eroding the peninsula on which the Fort sits.[4] Nelson's Dockyard National Park began a maintenance program to keep the walls of Fort Berkeley intact to deflect the storm surges.[4] Antigua's National Parks Authority have discussed plans for further stabilization of the ruins and protection of the peninsula and the harbour.[10][11]
Gallery[edit]
-
Remains of Fort Berkeley -
View of Fort Berkeley on the peninsula in the distance -
View of English Harbour -
View of English Harbour's entrance
.jpg)
.jpg)
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e "Forts | Nelson's Dockyard National Park". www.nationalparksantigua.com. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
- ^ Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. "Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 2023-10-10.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Waters, Christopher Kurt (2018). "Putting Forts in Their Place: The Politics of Defense in Antigua, 1670-1785". Syracuse University Libraries (Doctoral Dissertation). Syracuse University. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- ^ a b c d e f g "The Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites: World Heritage Site Nomination Document" (PDF). UNESCO World Heritage Convention. 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 5, 2020.
- ^ Vaitilingam, Adam (2001). The Rough Guide to Antigua and Barbuda. Rough Guides. ISBN 978-1-85828-715-7.
- ^ Stanford, Emma; Hanna, Nick (2016-10-04). National Geographic Traveler - The Caribbean: Ports of Call and Beyond. National Geographic Books. ISBN 978-1-4262-1709-8.
- ^ "Shirley's Heights | Nelson's Dockyard National Park". www.nationalparksantigua.com. Retrieved 2023-10-09.
- ^ Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. "Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 2023-10-10.
- ^ "About the National Park | Nelson's Dockyard National Park". www.nationalparksantigua.com. Retrieved 2023-10-10.
- ^ "Ambassador and delegation from US Embassy tour Nelson's Dockyard National Park". Antigua Observer. 25 July 2023.
- ^ "Italian Government partners with Antigua's National Park on Climate Change Adaptation & Heritage Site Preservation". Antigua Observer. 17 May 2023.