Fort Scaur is one of several forts built around this island for defense of its shores. Fort Scaur was built in the 1870s, about 30 years after construction of the Royal Naval Dockyard. Fort Scaur had a dual purpose: To defend Bermuda from attack, and to defend the Royal Naval Dockyard's flank if it were attacked.
A sign at the entrance to the Fort reads as follows:
"HISTORY OF FORT SCAUR
In the mid-19th century, Britain realized the strategic importance of Bermuda as a base in the western Atlantic. Since relations with United States run certain, the Naval Dockyard at Ireland Island was greatly expanded to service the fleet. A number of forts were built or upgraded to protect this facility.
The Somerset position was built by the British Royal engineers to protect the rear flank of the Dockyard from any enemy force advancing by land from the Southampton beaches. This position consisted of Fort Scaur itself, on the crest of the highest hill on the island of Somerset, and a large ditch which bisected this island. Work began in 1868 and was completed in the 1880s.
Fort Scaur was garrisoned by British troops until World War I, when a number rifle trenches were built in front of the main bitch. American forces from battery D, 52nd coast artillery Battalion were also stationed here during World War II.
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Parks, Bermuda"
From the Bermuda attractions website: (
visit link)
"Fort Scaur and Park - Bermuda
Fort Scaur is located at the western end of Bermuda in Somerset and on the highest hill top. You can reach the fort by bus #7 or 8 from Hamilton city. This fort was built in 1870s at the time when the relationship between British and the Americans were strained. The fort was built in such a way that it was barely visible from the sea.
The idea was to save the Royal Naval Dockyard, the largest naval dockyard in Bermuda and protect it from any possible land attacks. This was the time when the British thought that the Americans may try to seize the Dockyard and use it as their port. Ironically, although British soldiers were posted at the Fort Scaur during the World War-I, during the World War-II American soldiers were stationed here. After all Britain and U.S finally became allies during the world wars.
Fort Scaur is an inland fort that was built to defend any land based attacks from the south shore. It had 64 pound guns mounted on disappearing carriages. The guns and cannons no longer exist. The fort has subterranean passages and a huge dry moat.
There is a free telescope at the fort. From there you can see landmarks far away at the eastern end like the St. Davids Lighthouse and the St. Catherine Fort that are located at St George's. Stand on the rampart and you will see the Atlantic on one side and the Great Sound on the other. The view of the Great Sound from here is amazing.
The Fort Scaur covers an area of 22 acres of parkland filled with nice trails, picnic areas, a rocky shoreline for fishing, and a public dock. There are picnic tables, benches, and restrooms in the fort premises.
There is a Bermuda weather stone at the Fort Scaur which many believe to be a great weather forecaster. The forecast on the notice board at Fort Scaur says: "If ever it is white on top - believe it or not - it is snowing". By the way, it never snows in tropical Bermuda :-)"