Fort Hamilton has reopened to the public after extensive renovations and archaeological work at the site.

Work began in February 2024 and included major upgrades to the fort’s electrical and water infrastructure, the instillation of a new covered public terrace, improved accessibility, and repairs to historical stonework and roofing.

The project also involved “extensive archaeological investigations” including analysis of artefacts and a detailed 3D topographical survey documenting and protecting the site.

Patrick Cooper, city engineer and chief operating officer for the City of Hamilton, said: “Fort Hamilton is one of the City’s most significant heritage assets and this restoration was carefully designed to balance preservation with practical improvements.

“The work completed over the past two years ensures the fort remains structurally sound, accessible and fit for purpose, while honouring its history.”

Mr Cooper said that much of the work focused on “foundational upgrades” including essential infrastructure and preservation work to ensure the site’s long-term sustainability, safety and functionality.

He added: “The City has intentionally approached the restoration as a phased programme, with future phases expected to include enhancements to internal facilities such as the kitchen and additional visitor-facing improvements over time.”

The archaeological element of the project, undertaken in collaboration with the Bermuda National Trust, was intended to protect the site while supporting future upgrades.

A spokeswoman for the City said: “One of the most significant discoveries occurred ahead of the installation of the new water tank, where excavations uncovered the buried remains of the fort’s 19th-century outhouse.

“Beneath a later concrete slab, archaeologists revealed an earlier floor surface, intact urinal structures, drainage systems and deposits including clay tobacco pipes, slate fragments, fish bones and scales, buttons and other artefacts.

“Among the finds were fragments of clay tobacco pipes from Ireland and the clay boot of what appears to be a toy soldier, offering rare insight into daily life at the fort during the 1800s.”

Historically a British garrison, Fort Hamilton was used as headquarters for the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps from the mid-1890s to the mid-1930s.

In the decades that followed, the dry moat was transformed into lush tropical gardens, now accessible via a winding pathway, while the fort itself offers visitors panoramic views of the city.

Fort Hamilton is open to visitors from 8am until sunset.

The site is also now available for event bookings, with interested parties invited to contact the City of Hamilton’s venue rentals co-ordinator at venuerentals@cityhall.bm.