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The Historic Town of St. George, A UNESCO World ... - Bermuda

The Historic Town of St. George, A UNESCO World ... - Bermuda

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<strong>World</strong> Heritage Site<br />

Burnt Point Fort<br />

1<br />

One <strong>of</strong> the oldest forts on Ferry Island in <strong>St</strong>. <strong>George</strong>’s, this fort<br />

was built in the mid-1600s to defend the western approach to <strong>St</strong>.<br />

<strong>George</strong>’s Harbour from enemy ships and prevent illegal trading by<br />

Bermudian vessels.<br />

Ferry Island Fort<br />

1<br />

Until 1871, a ferry between Coney<br />

Island and Ferry Island was the only<br />

means <strong>of</strong> transport between <strong>St</strong>.<br />

<strong>George</strong>’s and the mainland. During<br />

the American Revolutionary War, it<br />

was suggested that if <strong>Bermuda</strong> was<br />

attacked the population <strong>of</strong> the main<br />

island should retreat via the ferry to <strong>St</strong>. <strong>George</strong>’s, where a stand<br />

would be made. A battery was built at the top <strong>of</strong> Ferry Island in<br />

the 1790s, which was replaced in the 1870s by the fort you see<br />

today. <strong>The</strong> ruin is open to the public.<br />

Martello Tower<br />

2<br />

<strong>Bermuda</strong>’s only Martello Tower was<br />

built during the 1820s <strong>of</strong> hard<br />

<strong>Bermuda</strong> stone. <strong>The</strong> only access is<br />

by a drawbridge, which crosses the<br />

ditch to the barracks on the second<br />

level. To the north <strong>of</strong> the tower is a<br />

magazine; its walls are reinforced by<br />

flying buttresses and the ro<strong>of</strong> is structurally weaker so that in the<br />

event <strong>of</strong> an explosion, the ro<strong>of</strong> would be blown <strong>of</strong>f leaving the<br />

walls intact. <strong>The</strong> Martello Tower has been recently renovated and<br />

new interpretive signage has been installed.<br />

Martello Tower is open to the public free <strong>of</strong> charge by<br />

appointment only. Department <strong>of</strong> Parks, 236-5902.<br />

Fort <strong>George</strong><br />

3<br />

In 1612, Governor Richard Moore chose this site, the the highest<br />

hill in <strong>St</strong>. <strong>George</strong>'s and known as Riches Mount, for a lookout<br />

tower. Fort <strong>George</strong> was later constructed in 1788, the structure <strong>of</strong><br />

which remains today and is actively occupied by <strong>Bermuda</strong> Radio.<br />

23

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