Fort Frederick

Fort Frederick stands on Richmond Hill above St George's, begun by the French in 1779 after they took the island by landing behind the existing defences and walking in from the rear. Having learned the lesson, they built this one with its guns pointing inland as well as out to sea, which earned it the nickname the backwards fort. From the walls the harbour, the town and much of southern Grenada are laid out.

History

The French began the fort on Richmond Hill in 1779, after retaking Grenada, together with Fort Matthew only 150 metres away, and unlike the other forts, which faced the sea, they built it facing the interior with its cannons pointed at the hills. The British, who retook the island after the brief French interlude, finished it in 1783; it is said that Henri Christophe, later king of Haiti, hid in the fort after escaping from an estate in Grenada before stowing away on a ship to Haiti (Wikipedia, Fort Frederick (Grenada)).

What to look for

• The inland-facing guns - the design that came from the French landing from behind.
• The 1779 construction - the fort begun after the French took the island.
• The harbour view - St George's and its anchorage below.
• The southern view - much of the island's south from the walls.

When to go

Year round. Late afternoon light over the harbour is best. Cruise ship days bring crowds.

What to expect

The fort is largely empty and interpretation is thin. Parts of the site adjoin working government buildings and are closed. Vendors at the entrance are persistent.

Nearby

St George's is below, and Grand Anse is southwest.

Key facts