Fort Regent

Fort Regent is a 19th-century fortification, and leisure centre, on Mont de la Ville (Town Hill), in St. Helier, Jersey. The fort is in close proximity to the fortified South Hill, Engineers Barracks at La Collette, and overlooks the 16th-century Elizabeth Castle and harbour to the west.The fort's main features are substantial curtain walls, ditches, a glacis, redoubts, bastions, and redans (or demi-bastions). A parade ground was in the centre, which is now built upon, and covered with a roof.Pre-history of Le Mont de la VilleA dolmen was located on the hill, prior to the construction of Fort Regent. In 1785, workmen, who were leveling the area for use as a parade ground, uncovered the dolmen. The dolmen was gifted to Henry Seymour Conway, who removed it to his home, Park Place, near Henley-on-Thames, in 1788.Middle Ages and 16th centuryDuring the Middle Ages the Town Hill, and near-by Petit Mont de la Ville were used as common land. The Chapel of Notre Dame des Pas was situated at the foot of the hill during this period, but was demolished by the Board of Ordnance in 1814.