FALMOUTH'S PROTECTOR


INFORMATION

Fort George is another quite remarkable sight that is part of the varied Antigua landscape. The fort was built on the flat 699-foot Monk's Hill in the 1680’s.  Its purpose was to serve as a place of refuge and last resort for the islands inhabitants in case of an invasion. Taking no less than 16 years to build, the Fort is named after the patron saint of England. The Fort is also locally known as Monk's Hill is named after the original land owner Nathanial Monk. It is easily accessible through the villages of Liberta or Table Hill Gordon, or even through the back of Falmouth. From the top it is quite an incredible view and one that is not to be missed. You can see the entire Nelson's Dockyard National Park area from the peak.

NATURE

The park provides an excellent habitat for some natural wonders. A variety of songbirds, plants, fruit and flowers flourish in the wilderness around Monk's Hill and offer photographers a wide selection of material. The National Park Authority with approval from the Antiguan government has issued a moratorium on all construction and development work without direct oversight, protecting the natural beauty of the park from over development and loss of heritage and the enviornmental conservation areas.

HISTORY

Fort George is filled with history from the past 300 years and there is much to learn. Inside the buildings you may be able to spot the water catchment system and  storage cicsterns.  As there is no sources of groundwater on Monk's Hill, rainwater provided the only fresh water supply.  The large cisterns had to provide enough water for the civilian population as well as the military garrison during a prolonged siege. Although the island was never invaded, women and children gathered there in 1712 due to a very real French invasion threat. The Colonial Government records from Montserrat were also stored in the Fort in the 1730's since it was deemed much safer than keeping them on island.  This proved to be prudent since the French sacked Monserrat in 1734 after bypassing Antigua.  The Fort underwent an expansion program in the 1730's with funds from King George II, from which time many of the buildings date.

In 1734, there were no fewer than 33 guns protecting Fort George. The strength of the fort is one of the reasons why the French bypassed Antigua and invaded Monserrat instead.  The fort also served as a signal station.  By using flags during the day and fires and lanterns at night, messages were relayed all across the island.  Since Monk's Hill is visible from most parts of the island, messages passed through Monk's Hill from Shirley Heights to St. John's about enemy ship sightings and potential slave insurrections.  The entire island could be notified within 15 minutes of the first outgoing message.  After the army garrison left in the 1850's, Fort George continued as a signal station.  The last signalman left in the 1930's.  His duties included being the official time keeper for the island.  Every day at 12 noon, he would raise a black ball up the flagstaff to signal the time.

SIGHTSEEING / PHOTOGRAPHY

The top of Monk's Hill provides a panoramic view of the entire Nelson's Dockyard National Park.  Depending on the undergrowth, the site also provides a full view of the northern half of the island with views to St. John's.  This scenic outlook should be on everyone's list of things to see while visiting Antigua.

DIRECTIONS

Take advice from a local or contact us.

OTHER INFO

Open all times. There is no admission fee. No wheelchair accesss. Contact 268-481-5021.