Next Stage Of Fort Hamilton Improvement Project
The City of Hamilton will “shortly be commencing significant works at Fort Hamilton as part of the ongoing Fort Hamilton Improvement Project.”
A spokesperson said, “The project will see the enhancement of the fort and its surrounding amenities, inclusive of a new pergola shade structure, a catering kitchen, upgrade of electrical and water supply systems, new bathroom facilities, enhanced security, interpretive signage and Wi-Fi installation, as well as improved landscaping, lighting and accessibility.
“Works have already been carried out with regards to the removal of invasive plant species, with thousands of invasives being removed since work began in Spring of 2023.
“Additionally, a preliminary archaeological exploration of the site has also taken place in tandem with the horticultural efforts which has uncovered some interesting findings. City Engineer Patrick Cooper explained that the works were needed to preserve an important part of Bermuda’s history.”
Mr. Cooper said, “Fort Hamilton is a stunning piece of Bermuda’s heritage and a fascinating chapter in the story of Bermuda’s military history which we feel should be preserved, enhanced and restored for future generations. It’s also a great space which can be better utilized so that its story can be more fully appreciated.”
The City engaged Archaeological Project Manager Florence Laino to conduct preliminary archaeological work, as part of the permit stipulations from the Department of Planning.
Ms Laino said, “Fort Hamilton is a truly special monument, and its architecture and archaeology has a unique story to tell in the geopolitical history of Bermuda.
“A number of exploratory trenches were excavated to test for archaeology before any construction work starts at the site. These investigations uncovered the buried remains of 19th century outhouse structures that connected to the guard room at the fort entrance. The remains include walls, drains, floors and material which suggest that decorative plaster moldings and cornices on those outhouse structures may have been fashioned to resemble those on the guard room. In addition, a substantial privy made of heavy grey-coloured slate, marked ‘BERMUDA’, presumably shipped from the UK, was also found, some etched with graffiti, with what appear to be names and numbers.
“Further excavations near the entrance of the Fort revealed the foundation remains of the Fort’s ‘rolling Guthrie Bridge’ – at the time, a state-of-the-art drawbridge that could retract horizontally, rather than vertically. This innovation was installed at several forts around the British Empire with this example being one of the few such bridges still standing.
“The excavations have also produced many artefacts such as pottery, building material, glassware, tobacco pipes, and coins. Currently the artefacts are being washed and will be analysed by specialists both here in Bermuda and abroad.”
The spokesperson said, “All of the findings from the excavation will be collated into a final publication which will be made publicly available.
“Ms Laino [MCIfA MSc BA] has been a professional archaeologist for 10 years and is a Member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. She has worked on numerous archaeological sites across the UK, and for six years worked on seasonal excavations investigating the world-famous Napoleonic Waterloo Battlefield in Belgium as part of the Waterloo Uncovered project.
“The City has also been working closely with the Bermuda National Trust throughout the restoration works whose knowledge and assistance has been integral to the process enabling restoration works to be incorporated as part of the overall project. For instance, the glacis structures, which are steep sloping defensive structures, will receive attention as well as rebuilding some walls that have been compromised by tree roots. These structures have been dismantled, numbered and catalogued so that they can be rebuilt using the same stone blocks in the same locations.
“The Bermuda National Trust has also assisted the City Parks section with advice on the careful removal of invasive species at the fort. This continues to be a delicate undertaking as many of the root systems are entrenched in the fort structures and careful removal as well as ongoing management strategies are required to avoid damage to the fort’s historical elements.”
Mr. Cooper said, “It’s been a fascinating undertaking, as we found plant species which we didn’t even realize were in there. We also found masonry which we didn’t know existed, as it had been covered in foliage. Some of what we found was so significant that it has changed designs for the renovations so that we can show off these newly discovered architectural details.”
The spokesperson said, “Innovative 3D survey work has been completed which has accurately mapped the subterranean tunnels and will form part of a new interpretive signage program to provide relevant historical, social and engineering information via Q-R codes and interactive maps for visitors.”
Mr. Cooper said, “Trenching works to bring new electrical power, data and water supply lines to the site entrance have been completed. These new services will allow us to use the fort more efficiently for events, assist with water supply for landscape maintenance and provide data options, all without the need for a generator. The next stage of works will also entail the building of a slat house for City equipment [used in the maintenance of the fort], as well as a concession room with vending machines which will enable fort goers to purchase refreshments once there.
“The Fort Hamilton Improvement Project is one way in which the City is working to meet its mandate to protect and enhance the historical and cultural assets of the City and, where relevant, ensure that they continue to play a central role in the creation of new places.”
The spokesperson said, “Fort Hamilton will be closed for the works until the summer of 2025, at which point it will reopen.
“The City is appealing to any members of the public with old photographs of Fort Hamilton [prior to 1960] to contact the City at info@cityhall.bm.”
