During the Great Siege of Brimstone Hill in 1782, the fort protected the 950-man British garrison, local militia, and other residents from an attack by 8,000 French troops armed with 62 cannon, howitzers and mortars. The garrison held out for four weeks until the French cannon fire finally pierced the walls of the fortress, prompting an honorable surrender.
Photo Tour of Brimstone Hill Fortress in St. Kitts
By Robert Curley, About.com Guide
The fort's defenses
A dry moat surrounds the inner keep of the Brimstone Hill fortress on St. Kitts
© Bob Curley
The polygonal fortress has several layers of defenses that protect the main Citadel, Fort St. George. Cannon are positioned at the Prince of Wales Bastion, outside the citadel walls, and of course within the fort itself. The fort is studded with firing positions, and a wooden bridge crosses over a dry moat that helps prevent direct attacks on the fortress walls.
Prev
- Introduction to Brimstone Hill, a historic English fortress on St. Kitts
- The long walk up to the fortress
- Armaments of the fort
- The fort's defenses
- Entering the main redoubt
- The 'Gibraltar of the West Indies'
- A serene spot
- Inside Fort. St George
- Everyday life at the fort
- The officers' quarters
Elsewhere on the Web
Brimstone Hill FortressSt. Kitts Tourism AuthorityNevis Tourism Authority
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