St John’s travel guide

West of St John’s are the ruins of Fort Barrington, on a promontory at Goat Hill overlooking Deep Bay and the entrance to St John’s Harbour. It was erected by Governor Burt, who gave up active duty in 1780 suffering from psychiatric disorders; a stone he placed in one of the walls at the fort describes him grandly as ‘Imperator and Gubernator’ of the Carib Islands. The previous fortifications saw the most action in Antigua’s history, with the French and English battling for possession in the 17th century. At the other side of the harbour are the ruins of Fort James, from where you can get a good view of St John’s. There was originally a fort on this site dating from 1675, but most now dates from 1749. To get there, head north out of St John’s, turn west by Barrymore Hotel to the sea, then follow the road parallel to the beach to the end.