Fort Charlotte, Artillery fort in Lerwick, Scotland
Fort Charlotte is a five-sided artillery fort in Lerwick, on the Shetland Islands, with bastions at three of the corners facing inland and smaller gun positions directed toward the sea. The thick stone walls are largely intact, and several old cannons are mounted on the battlements facing the harbor.
The fort was first built in 1652 to defend the islands against Dutch raids, but Dutch forces burned it down shortly after it was completed. It was rebuilt and reached its current form in 1781, when it was given its present name in honor of Queen Charlotte.
The fort takes its name from Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III, and a sign above the entrance gate still bears that name today. Inside, the open courtyard surrounded by thick stone walls is sometimes used for local events, giving the place a role in everyday town life.
The fort sits in the center of Lerwick and can be reached on foot from most parts of town without difficulty. The position is exposed to wind and rain, so bring warm and waterproof clothing regardless of the season.
Although the fort dates to the 17th century, it still functions as an active military site, making it one of the few places in Scotland where a historic defensive structure has kept its original military role. The walls visible today mostly date from the rebuilding after the 1673 fire, not from the original 1652 construction.
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