A recently restored battery demonstrates how Fort Shirley protected Prince Rupert Bay, the best anchorage on Dominica. The bay itself has a long history. In 1493 one of Columbus' ships entered the bay, and by 1535 the Spanish made it station along their official treasure ship route.

Check out the map to see how the fort sits on a volcanic headland, strategically overlooking the bay. Construction of the fort began in 1765 after France ceded Dominica to the British at the Treaty of Paris. The French won it back in 1778, only to cede it again five years later at the Treaty of Versailles. At it's height the fort housed over 600 men, but in 1854 it was finally abandoned as the British and French made up.

Today the fort is a public park open for all to visit. Pack and lunch and enjoy the view.

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