The Caponier defends part of the ditch system surrounding Amherst Redoubt. The central gun port has been opened out (possibly pre war) to allow access.

Inside the Caponier tunnels lead left and right. To the right is a long passage sloping upwards leading to the interior of Amherst Redoubt. Unfortunately in the 1960's Amherst Redoubt was demolished all tunnels were deliberately collapsed and sealed. Therefore although worth exploring the tunnel does not go very far. To the right is a stairway leading up to the surface works. Again this doorway is sealed.

Inside the Caponier are musket loops firing into both sides of the ditch thereby serving the true purpose of the Caponier.

Fort Amherst has many passages like this, preserved from the weathering of the surface. This passage leads up to Amherst Redoubt. All exits are sealed.

How many more tunnels like this have yet to be found??

These impressive casemated barracks overlook the town of Chatham. All flooring was removed in the 1950's and very few original fittings remain. The barracks seem to have been built into an original ditch. There would have been a well close by and latrines, the location of these are lost. Because the Fort and the Cumberland Lines completely encircled the Dockyard, and the town of Brompton, there was little need for barrack accommodation on the Fort. Soldiers were quartered in the nearby Artillery, Infantry and Marine Barracks. So Prince Williams Barracks must have been just for the few poor souls forced to guard the Lines.

In the WWII a small AA gun was installed on the roof of the Barracks and some evidence of this remains.

Who took the timber floors? Was it, as folk-lore tells, removed by an Army officer to build a summer house? Or did it burn down sometime in the years after 1860 when the surface works of the Fort ceased to be important.

To restore the Barracks would be an excellent addition to the Fort Amherst experience. There is much to see in the "wild" area's of the Fort which are not open to the public. Anyone with lots of money should apply in writing, you will be very welcome.

The Sunken Courtyard is a very logical name for this part of the Fort, however it is in fact the entrance to flanking galleries providing firing positions into Prince William's Ditch.

This area is the least restored (and explored) there may be many underground passages leading from these buildings. The Fort did not come with plans and maps, so future restoration may uncover some interesting features.

This passage leads from the main casemates to the side flanking galleries. Entry and exit is through this tunnel. The sunken Courtyard is just one of the interesting areas not currently open to the public (due to health & safety)