Fort Berkeley, Military base in Saint Paul Parish, Antigua and Barbuda
Fort Berkeley is a military ruin in English Harbour featuring remnants of defensive walls and artillery positions. The fortification was deliberately positioned at the harbour entrance to monitor and control maritime traffic during the colonial period.
British military engineers built Fort Berkeley in the 18th century as part of their Caribbean defence network. The installation became a critical component for maintaining naval control and protecting commercial interests in the region.
The fort forms part of the Antigua Naval Dockyard complex and reflects how colonial powers used fortified positions to control trade routes and demonstrate authority. Walking through the site reveals the scale of investment required to maintain such military infrastructure in the Caribbean.
The site is most easily reached via a marked trail from Nelson's Dockyard, and guided tours are available to explain the military engineering. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, as the grounds are uneven and the Caribbean sun can be intense.
The fort's position offered defenders a 280-degree view of the harbour, allowing them to spot approaching vessels long before they entered. This wide sightline demonstrates how carefully British engineers calculated their defensive positions throughout the Caribbean.
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