Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Historic Forts That Never Saw Much Action
From its earliest days, St. George has been fortified. Although it never saw much
military action, reminders of that history are interesting to explore. Take Circular
Drive to reach the forts, on the outskirts of town. As forts go, these two are of rela-
tively minor interest (unless, of course, you're a fort buff—in that case, be our guest).
If you have time for only one fort on Bermuda, Fort Hamilton on Happy Valley Road
is the most intriguing. See “The Best of Bermuda in 2 Days,” in chapter 3, for details.
Along the coast is Building Bay, where the shipwrecked victims of the
Sea Venture
built their vessel, the
Deliverance
(p. 160), in 1610.
Fort St. Catherine
Towering above the beach where the shipwrecked crew of
the
Sea Venture
came ashore in 1609 is Fort St. Catherine, completed in 1614 and
named for the patron saint of wheelwrights and carpenters. The fortifications have
been upgraded over the years. The last major reconstruction took place from 1865 to
1878, so the fort's appearance today is largely the result of work done in the 19th
century.
In the museum, visitors first see a series of dioramas, “Highlights in Bermuda's
History.” Figures depict various activities that took place in the magazine of the fort,
restored and refurnished as it was in the 1880s. In the keep, which served as living
quarters, you can see information on local and overseas regiments that served in
Bermuda. Also here are a fine small-arms exhibit, a cooking-area display, and an
exhibit of replicas of England's crown jewels. There's a short audiovisual show on St.
George's defense systems and the forts of St. George.
15 Coot Pond Rd.
&
441/297-1920.
Admission $5 adults, $2 children 11 and under. Daily 10am-4pm.
Closed Dec 25.
Gates Fort
This small-scale, partially ruined two-story watchtower is capped with
a cannon that (symbolically) monitors the entrance to St. George's harbor. With an
interior of only two square and angular rooms, it was originally built in 1609 by its
namesake, Sir Thomas Gates. One of the original band of settlers from the
Sea Ven-
ture
who colonized Bermuda, Gates was later the governor-designate for the Colony
of Virginia. In midsummer, when cruise ships drop their anchors for short sojourns in
St. George, a gatekeeper in 18th-century costume sometimes hails onboard passen-
gers with a “welcome to Bermuda” spate of bell ringing and an occasional cannon
blast. There's virtually nothing to see inside—the allure is entirely a byproduct of its
isolated charm near the harbor's entrance.
Cut Rd. No phone. Free admission. Daily 10am-4:30pm.
7
ORGANIZED TOURS
It's relatively easy to explore Bermuda on your own. But, if you prefer help from
island-born and -bred residents, it's available. See also “Snorkeling,” “Scuba Diving,”
and “Other Outdoor Pursuits,” in chapter 6, for other ways to tour the island.
Insider Tours
Visitors to Bermuda have the opportunity to gain an even deeper understanding of
local attractions through the
Bermuda Explorers Program,
a series of tours and
cultural programs. The island's cultural leaders, business owners, and other local resi-
dents are creating opportunities to present travelers with an in-depth and unique look
at Bermuda. Arrangements for tours can be made through the
Visitors Information
