Fort Charlotte, Lucea

Fort Charlotte, located in Lucea, Hanover, was constructed at least fifteen years before 1761, though it was not originally known by that name; it was later renamed in honour of Queen Charlotte following her marriage to King George III in 1761. Situated twenty feet above sea level on a peninsula overlooking the channel, the fort was built for the defence of the harbour and, though never tested by an actual enemy attack, remains one of the best-preserved forts on the island. In 1832, following the slave rebellion led by Sam Sharpe, Hanover planters used the fort as a site for trying rebellious slaves and as a collection point for captured rebels.

In 1862, the English War Office transferred the barracks, and Fort Charlotte was given to the executive committee for the use of the Jamaican public; its barracks now house the Rusea’s High School. The fort was declared a national monument by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust on March 19, 1992.