Charles Fort, Barbados

Charles Fort was erected in 1650, and is the largest of the forts built around the island that were used to defend it from enemy forces. It is located on the southwestern tip of the island at Needham’s Point, and was originally called Needham’s Fort. In 1649, King of England, Charles I, was beheaded and the government was taken over by Oliver Cromwell. Barbados remained loyal to the royalists, and in 1660 when King Charles II was restored to the throne, the fort’s name was changed to Charles Fort. The fort became a part of the British Military Garrison in 1836. Today the Hilton Barbados Hotel, which is on Needham’s Point, incorporates the fort into its grounds and occasionally hosts events there. -Marsilyn Browne

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