Forts

Introduction

Ever since the capture of Jamaica by the English from the Spanish in 1655, the need for fortification became immediate because of the constant threat of foreign invasion. As a result, several forts were built along the coast of the island to defend the country. Initially, Port Royal, the naval and commercial centre of the island was the primary concern for defence.

The Money

The money for building fortifications was provided by the House of Assembly which met in Spanish Town, St. Catherine. In the 18th Century, a time of peace, the Assembly usually voted about £1,250 annually for work on forts out of a total budget of £7000. In 1746, however, the Assembly voted approximately £9000 for the construction of forts. Towards the end of the 18th Century, when the island had become richer, and a French invasion was threatening, the Assembly voted £20,000 for fortification.

The money for the building of forts was usually channeled through a committee of the House of Assembly appointed to oversee the works of forts. Contracts for the construction of forts were given to local builders who it seems did a very good job. Most of the material used for the building of forts was stone from quarries across the island, however, some also came from Bath in England.

The Labour

Labour for the construction of the forts was provided by slaves either from neighbouring estates or from gaols. Sometimes as many as 500 slaves were employed at a single site. The forts which were built were usually built on high ground overlooking the sea, however, some were on flat lands and sometimes very close to the sea. They were built with varying degrees of strengths depending on the needs and the number of guns to be mounted. Their capacities also varied. During the period of fortification, Jamaica had about 20 forts.