Fort James is a small fortification built on the headland that covers the main entrance to the St John’s Harbour. Built between 1706 and 1739 it was armed with over thirty six SB guns. There was barrack accommodation for seventy five men.
The memorial stone on the face of one of the bastions gives a date of construction for the enceinte was as 1739, see images.
The Fort comprises of two sea batteries and then a defensive wall cutting off the end of the peninsular. The Land Front wall is in surprisingly good condition given that it has been left for a few hundred years. The main magazine is also in excellent condition, although it has no floor.
There is a keep/bastion at the end of the peninsular, with the second sea battery adjacent. This battery retains many of the original guns, possible 18-pdr SB guns. This must be one of the few British batteries of the 16th century that still has the original guns in position. The guns and carriages are in good condition.