York Redoubt National Historic Site is a 200-year-old fortification on a high bluff overlooking the entrance to the Halifax Harbour, just 14 km / 8.7 mi from downtown Halifax. Established in 1793, it was a key element in the defense of Halifax Harbour during the second half of the 19th century. This National Historic Site is a unique heritage treasure featuring interpretive panels, tunnels, muzzle-loading guns, and a World War II Command Post. Visitors may stroll along the many walking trails, wander among the armament and fortifications and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of the Halifax Harbour.
York Redoubt was first fortified in 1793, when war broke out between Britain and France. General James Ogilvie, the British commander at Halifax, built a two-gun battery to defend the harbour entrance. The defenses were improved by Prince Edward, fourth son of King George III, when he was the commander at Halifax from 1794 to 1800. By 1800, the site had an eight-gun battery and a round Martello Tower, with a signal mast intended to give early warning of an enemy attack. Edward named it York Redoubt in honor of his brother, the Duke of York.
By 1867, when Canada was born, technology was changing rapidly. Warships were now built of iron, rather than wood, and protected by thick armor which cannon balls could not penetrate. New guns firing heavier, pointed shells were built to pierce armor plate. York Redoubt was rebuilt and expanded to mount the new guns.
As well as the six guns which remain in place along the battlements of the old fort, across the parking lot is a display of several cannon and rifle barrels which once lined the ramparts, each being retired as newer and more effective guns came into production. This display consists of three 10-inch 18-ton Muzzle loading Rifles, two 9-inch 12-ton Muzzle loading Rifles and four 7-inch 7-ton Muzzle loading Rifles. Though we have no specific details on the 10 and 7 inch guns, the nine inchers, using 50 pound powder charges, fired a 256 pound shell capable of piercing the armor of ships of the day. The 10 and 7 inch guns fired similar shells. Cast and installed in the 1860s and early 1870s, these guns remained in service until the 1900 rebuild of the fort which saw most replaced by still newer guns.
Following is more information on this group.
Artillery at York Redoubt
No. 1: 10-inch 18-ton Mk. II Muzzle loading Rifle, weight 17-18-2-0 (40,152 lbs), RGF No. 46, 1870 on the left trunnion, Queen Victoria cypher, Firths Steel (Serial No. 1921) on the muzzle face.
No. 2: 10-inch 18-ton Mk. II Muzzle loading Rifle, weight 17-19-1-0 (40,236 lbs), RGF No. 38, 1870 on the left trunnion, Queen Victoria cypher, Firths Steel (Serial No. corroded) on the muzzle face.
No. 3: 10-inch 18-ton Mk. II Muzzle loading Rifle, weight 18-0-0-0 (40,320 lbs), RGF No. 72, 1870 on the left trunnion, Queen Victoria cypher, Firths Steel (Serial No. 1901) on the muzzle face.
No. 4: 9-inch 12-ton Mk V Muzzle loading Rifle, weight 12-0-0-0 (26,880 lbs), RGF No. 650, 1877. Firths Steel 46. A three foot long portion of approximately ¼ of the gun barrel has been cut from this gun. 47 stamped on the side of the gun.
No. 5: 9-inch 12-ton Mk III Muzzle loading Rifle, weight corroded (>26,000 lbs), RGF No. corroded. Firths Steel (Serial No. corroded) on the muzzle face.
No. 6: 7-inch 7-ton Mk. I Muzzle loading Rifle, weight 7-2-1-18 (15,950 lbs), corroded, RGF No. 29, 1866, Firths Steel (Serial No. 205) on the muzzle face. Queen Victoria cypher.
No. 7: 7-inch 7-ton Mk. I Muzzle loading Rifle, weight 7-2-1-0 (15,932), RGF No. 12, 1866, Queen Victoria cypher, Firths Steel (Serial No. 207) on the muzzle face.
No. 8: 7-inch 7-ton Mk. I Muzzle loading Rifle, weight 7-2-3-0 (15,988 lbs), RGF No. 30, 1866, Queen Victoria cypher, Firths Steel (Serial No. 199) on the muzzle face.
No. 9: 7-inch 7-ton Mk. I Muzzle loading Rifle, weight corroded (>15,000 lbs), RGF No. corroded, Queen Victoria cypher, Firths Steel (Serial No. corroded) on the muzzle face.
From Silver Hawk Author