Montego Bay, St James Parish, Jamaica — Caribbean Region of the Americas (Greater Antilles of the West Indies)
Fort Montego Armoury
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, November 21, 2015
1. Fort Montego Armoury Marker
All forts had buildings in which weapons and ammunition were kept safe. These were known as armouries and were heavily fortified buildings. The thick walls provided protection from direct hits, even the roof is built from cut stone to deflect shots fired at it.
Their location in a fort was deemed to be one of the safest places away from the direct fire from the attackers. This armoury was so well built that it has lasted for nearly two centuries.
Erected by Jamaica National Heritage Trust.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles.
Location. 18° 28.706′ N, 77° 55.538′ W. Marker is in Montego Bay, St James Parish. Marker can be reached from Fort Street close to Gloucester Avenue. The armoury is some steps north of the main part of the fort near the street, past a complex of souvenir shops. Touch for map. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Montego Cannons (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Montego History (within shouting distance of this marker); Montego Bay History (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Old Hospital Park (approx. half a kilometer away); The Cage (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Sam Sharpe
this page online
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, November 21, 2015
2. Fort Montego Armoury Marker
Note the armoury behind the marker.
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, November 21, 2015
3. Fort Montego Armoury
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, November 21, 2015
4. Fort Montego Armoury additional marker
This older, additional marker directly behind the featured marker reads: The Powder Magazine stored gunpowder and firing equipment for the cannons and guns for the fort. The thick buttressed walls provided additional protection if the magazine suffered a direct hit or exploded for any reason. The angled vents in the walls minimised the risk of sparks entering the building.
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, November 21, 2015
5. Fort Montego Well marker
Near the armoury is a well with a marker that reads: Fighting wars and defending property requires securing resources. Water is a major resource. This well supplying fresh water to the fort was essential. It is a cylindrical shaft built with brick and cutstone enabling water to be drawn for (sic, from) one of the streams that run underground into the bay. It has been modified by adding a wooden covering and a shingle roof. Today it is also used as a wishing well by those visiting the site.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 7, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 27, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 377 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 27, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.
