Fort Matthew

Can you imagine a fort so large, so grand, that it was once the largest on the entire island of Grenada? Well, right here before your very eyes, you stand at Fort Matthew, a testament to the island’s complex and fascinating history. Fort Matthew, built between 1784 and 1790, was named after Governor Edward Matthew. It was a strategic defense site during the French and British struggle for control of the island. Its 1,500 yard length, a huge expanse of ramparts and walls, shows the importance of this stronghold. The fort witnessed a transformation in its later years, becoming a mental institution for all the Caribbean Windward Islands in 1880. It served this purpose until 1987 when a new asylum was built. Although it lies in ruins today, it saw its share of action. The tunnels beneath the fort, carefully designed to move troops and supplies safely, are still visible. They are a reminder of the strategic brilliance that went into its construction. Look closely and you can see the remains of 18th century bathrooms. They are a window into the lives of the soldiers who occupied the fort. Although it may be in ruins, these remnants, like the army kitchens and cells, offer us a glimpse into the fort’s past. As you explore Fort Matthew, let your imagination run wild and imagine the soldiers, the battles, the daily routines, and the echoes of history within these walls. It’s a place where history breathes, even among the ruins, and holds a story of resilience and transformation.