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Fort Charlotte: Guardian of English Harbour

Explore Fort Charlotte in English Harbour: a historic fort offering stunning views and a glimpse into Antigua's colonial past.

Fort Charlotte, built in 1745 and expanded later, stands at the entrance to English Harbour in Antigua. Named in honor of Queen Charlotte, it once guarded the harbor with an iron chain stretched across the entrance. Today, its ruins offer a glimpse into the island's colonial past and stunning views of the surrounding area.

A brief summary to Fort Charlotte

  • 262Q+6PG, English Harbour, AG

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain within the fort can be uneven.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and capture the best lighting for photographs.
  • Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of English Harbour and the coastline.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Nelson's Dockyard, follow the signs for the Carpenter Rock Trail. The trail leads along the coast and up to Fort Charlotte. The walk is moderately challenging and takes approximately 30 minutes, offering scenic views along the way.

  • Public Transport

    From the bus stop in English Harbour, walk towards Nelson's Dockyard. Follow the signs for Carpenter Rock Trail, which will lead you to Fort Charlotte. The walk from the bus stop to the fort is approximately 45 minutes. Bus fare from St. John's to English Harbour is approximately $2.

  • Taxi

    From English Harbour, a taxi to the base of the Carpenter Rock Trail, which leads to Fort Charlotte, will cost approximately $10-15. The taxi will drop you off near the beginning of the trail, and you will then need to walk the remaining distance to the fort.

Unlock the Best of Fort Charlotte

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Discover more about Fort Charlotte

Fort Charlotte, a historic military fort, is located at the entrance to English Harbour in Saint Paul parish, Antigua. Originally constructed in 1745 and expanded over the years, it was initially known as South East Point Battery before being renamed Horseshoe Battery. The fort received its final name, Fort Charlotte, in honor of Queen Charlotte. Strategically positioned, Fort Charlotte played a crucial role in protecting the Naval Dockyard and English Harbour. In 1781, Governor Thomas Shirley initiated upgrades to fortify the area, including the construction of a larger gun platform. An iron chain could be raised from Fort Charlotte to Fort Berkeley across the harbour's entrance to prevent ships from entering. Decommissioned by the 1840s, an earthquake in 1843 significantly damaged Fort Charlotte. Today, only the gun platform and foundations of the guard house remain. Since 1984, the ruins have been part of Nelson's Dockyard National Park, and in 2016, they were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the remains via the Carpenter Rock Trail, enjoying panoramic views of English Harbour and the surrounding coastline.

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