Geograph - photograph every grid square

Fort Charlotte in Lerwick was built in 1781 at the height of the American War of Independence. At the time the combined naval forces of most of northern Europe plus France and Spain - and American privateers - were ranged against the Royal Navy, so coastal defences were considered a priority!
The fort takes its name from the queen of George III who was king at the time. It never really saw action, and may not even have been completed by the time of the 1783 treaty of Versailles that drew hostilities (at least temporarily) to a close. However the fine buildings within did not go to waste as they became the town jail, court house, custom house and coastguard station. There is still a military presence there now as the main building is used by the Territorial Army.