One of strengths of St. George?s as a World Heritage Site is its impressive fortifications built through out the past four centuries.

Forts are the oldest stone buildings in Bermuda and represent every stage of the Island?s development from a small, isolated outpost of the British Empire in the 1600s into what became the ?Gibraltar of the West? in the 1800s and beyond

Gates Fort is an excellent small fort to do a quick exploration on and is located about a mile from Town going East.

It offers a beautiful vantage point of the deep blue sea and the channel coming into Town Cut.

First called, ?Danvers Fort it was first shown on a map published in 1626 and it is likely that the fort was built shortly before this time.

In the 1790s Captain Andrew Durnford rebuilt the small fort and mounted four guns at the site.

The keep, which was used as a barracks in the 1800s, was occupied by a local family from 1870 until 1922, when the property was returned to the Bermuda Government and restored by prison labour.

The fort offers a superb vantage point to see boats passing through Town Cut into St. George?s Harbour.

When the cruise ships pass through it is an amazing sight and gives the illusion of closeness to land. It almost looks like the deck passengers could reach out and touch the rock formations which surround the fort.

If you long a few moments of tranquillity, this is a place of historical beauty which is off the beaten path and somewhat aloof.

The beautiful royal blue and turquoise sea view is well worth your effort.

It is located just a brief walk from the St. George?s Dinghy Club before connecting to Barry Road which also leads to Fort St. Catherine.