Due to its location in the western North Atlantic some 600 miles off the
Carolinas and halfway between Halifax in Canada and Jamaica in the West
Indies, the island of Bermuda was a key naval haven for the Royal Navy
over the centuries. It was vital for the Navy first in the development
of its American colonies, then during its rivalry with the United
States, and finally as allies with the United States.
The need to defend its 64 miles of coastline and ports has resulted in
the construction of about 50 forts from 1617 to 1945, even though its
total land mass is only 20.6 square miles. This led to an incredible
concentration of fortifications with 2.5 forts for every square mile.
Today, the legacy of these defense efforts remain either as disused
structures or parks scattered throughout Bermuda, many of them now
popular tourist attractions.
Using stunning commissioned artwork and meticulous research, this is the
fascinating story of Britain's "Gibraltar of the West.