The Antiguan government constructed a fortified line for musketeers in the early 1700s, approximately 100 meters to the west of Fort Berkeley. In 1745, a map of the fortification depicted the addition of 11 guns (Nicholson 1994:19), referred to as ‘Eleven Gun Battery’ in 1752, and as ‘Horseshoe Battery’ in 1755 (Figure 3.5). A 1773 map indicates an increase to 12 guns at the battery as well as an added officer’s barracks on the cliff above (Nicholson 1994:19).
In response to a movement in Antigua for increased fortifications, another battery was constructed above Horseshoe Battery in 1790. This battery was named Fort Charlotte, after Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III. Fort Charlotte was constructed in similar horseshoe shape as Horseshoe Battery, with walls of large sandstone bricks (Nicholson 1994:19). Fort Charlotte was further developed in the following years as a signal station. In 1823, a map of Fort Charlotte shows two guardhouses that were built at the lower end of the battery (Nicholson 1994:18-19). Together, Fort Charlotte and Horseshoe Battery deterred any potential rear attack on Falmouth Harbor.
Today, Horseshoe Battery has collapsed down the cliff side, likely due to erosion. Fort Charlotte’s exterior wall has eroded considerably. However, vegetation has grown up its southern wall, increasing the soil’s integrity, possibly delaying or preventing erosion. The structures of Fort Charlotte are still intact and accessible via a trail from Galleon beach.