A crumbling stone wall whispers tales of bygone eras. Welcome to The Ridge and Artillery Quarters a place where history breathes.
Here before you stands a relic of Antigua’s rich past. The Ridge and Artillery Quarters are part of the larger Shirley Heights military complex. Built in 1790 these structures once housed 60 Royal Artillery Gunners. Imagine the bustling life within these barracks. The rhythmic thud of boots the clang of weapons. The men prepared to defend Antigua. A vital sugar producer and home to Nelson’s Dockyard. Britain held onto these islands fiercely. Antigua and Barbados were their last West Indian strongholds.
After the army departed The Ridge and Artillery Quarters took on a surprising new role. It became a lunatic asylum. A place of quiet contemplation. Perhaps a stark contrast to its military past. The building’s history is a testament to the ever-changing nature of time. And to the resilience of stone and mortar.
Today the ruins evoke a sense of mystery. The broken walls and empty windows whisper secrets. They speak of soldiers’ lives and struggles. They speak of lives lived. Both within and without the confines of the military.
We walk on ground that has felt the weight of history. The weight of boots of both soldiers and patients. The stones themselves carry echoes of laughter sorrow and resilience. Take a moment to feel the passage of time.
The Ridge and Artillery Quarters are more than just ruins. They are living history. They are a reminder of Antigua’s past its struggles and its enduring spirit. A testament to the passage of time. A place where the past speaks. A place where stories unfold. A place to remember. A place to cherish.