Protected interests? The fortifications of Nevis, West Indies, from the 17th century to the present day
Protected interests? The fortifications of Nevis, West Indies, from the 17th century to the present day
This study examines the development and decline of the 17th and 18th century English/British fortifications of Nevis, West Indies. The forts were first built in the early 17th century and continued to be developed and added to, reaching their maximum strength in the later 17the/early 18th centuries. However, this study shows that following a French attack in 1706, the fortifications of Nevis, unlike those of many other Caribbean islands, were rapidly abandoned. This theory is supported by the archaeological evidence and historical documentation. Reasons for this early abandonment have been suggested.
Ten of the forts have been located in the field, with at least four others identified as having been destroyed by development. Each fort has been catalogued, with plans, photographs and historical information given. In addition, the development of the forts has been placed within the framework of the progression of fortification strategy in Europe, the Caribbean, and in the wider colonial world.
This study details the methodologies used to examine structures of this type, with special reference paid to the disciplines of historical and military archaeology. This research, in contrast to many other military studies, has also examined the lives of those associated with all aspects of colonial military life on Nevis, including soldiers, planters, slaves, servants, women and children. The aim of this analysis has been to place the forts within a broader socio-historical and archaeological narrative, referencing all aspects of Nevisian colonial society.
In addition, the abandonment and loss of the forts has been examined, showing that environmental factors and tourism development are rapidly destroying the fort resource. The management of fortifications built by white Europeans to protect the slave trade is an extremely sensitive issue in the post-colonial Caribbean; in response to this situation, a variety of relevant heritage management strategies have been assessed and recommendations made for the future study and management of these fragile structures.
University of Southampton
Machling, Tessa C.S
6065a375-65f0-4a32-9851-07588cbb412d
2003
Machling, Tessa C.S
6065a375-65f0-4a32-9851-07588cbb412d
Machling, Tessa C.S
(2003)
Protected interests? The fortifications of Nevis, West Indies, from the 17th century to the present day.
University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.
Record type:
Thesis
(Doctoral)
Abstract
This study examines the development and decline of the 17th and 18th century English/British fortifications of Nevis, West Indies. The forts were first built in the early 17th century and continued to be developed and added to, reaching their maximum strength in the later 17the/early 18th centuries. However, this study shows that following a French attack in 1706, the fortifications of Nevis, unlike those of many other Caribbean islands, were rapidly abandoned. This theory is supported by the archaeological evidence and historical documentation. Reasons for this early abandonment have been suggested.
Ten of the forts have been located in the field, with at least four others identified as having been destroyed by development. Each fort has been catalogued, with plans, photographs and historical information given. In addition, the development of the forts has been placed within the framework of the progression of fortification strategy in Europe, the Caribbean, and in the wider colonial world.
This study details the methodologies used to examine structures of this type, with special reference paid to the disciplines of historical and military archaeology. This research, in contrast to many other military studies, has also examined the lives of those associated with all aspects of colonial military life on Nevis, including soldiers, planters, slaves, servants, women and children. The aim of this analysis has been to place the forts within a broader socio-historical and archaeological narrative, referencing all aspects of Nevisian colonial society.
In addition, the abandonment and loss of the forts has been examined, showing that environmental factors and tourism development are rapidly destroying the fort resource. The management of fortifications built by white Europeans to protect the slave trade is an extremely sensitive issue in the post-colonial Caribbean; in response to this situation, a variety of relevant heritage management strategies have been assessed and recommendations made for the future study and management of these fragile structures.
Text
930221_v.1.pdf
- Version of Record
Text
930221_v.2.pdf
- Version of Record
More information
Published date: 2003
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 465224
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/465224
PURE UUID: 95b14b30-9d7f-46ac-a294-397059e260eb
Catalogue record
Date deposited: 05 Jul 2022 00:30
Last modified: 16 Mar 2024 20:02
Export record
Contributors
Author:
Tessa C.S Machling
Download statistics
Downloads from ePrints over the past year. Other digital versions may also be available to download e.g. from the publisher's website.
View more statistics