Explore this pentagonal artillery fort and garrison which was originally built to defend the Sound of Bressay during the Anglo-Dutch wars.
Built under the orders of Charles II during the Second Anglo-Dutch Wars in 1665, this fort managed to successfully fend off a Dutch fleet in 1667 but was eventually burnt to the ground in 1673. The structure that exists today was built in 1781 by George III when Britain found itself at war with France and Spain during the American Wars of Independence. It later housed a garrison during the Napoleonic Wars and has also served as a base for the Royal Navy, jail, courthouse, custom house and coastguard station through its history. Today it is the base of Shetland’s Territorial Army. Enjoy fantastic view of Lerwick Harbor and Bressay Sound from the battlements and see impressive replica of the 18th century canons pointed out to sea.