Fort Le Marchant

Fort Le Marchant, which was built in the 17th century and is located off the northern shore of Guernsey, has long served as a deterrent to foreign invaders. Since around 1680, there has been a fort of some kind on the site of Fort Le Marchant in Vale. The original stronghold, known as Fort L'Angle, was expanded at the end of the 18th century when fears of a French invasion prompted the construction of new fortifications all along Guernsey's coast.

The new fort was named after the then Lieutenant Bailiff, Eleazar Le Marchant when it was finished in 1805. On the landward side of the fort, a massive barracks was built in 1854, surrounded by a defensive ditch. Since then, the barracks have been dismantled, and the ditch has been filled in.

A second barracks was built on the site of Fort le Marchant in 1854, but it has since been dismantled, in addition to the fortifications that can still be seen today. At high or low tide, Fort le Marchant is a lovely site to visit for a walk along the shore. It is fairly common to see dogs off the leash in this location, which is very popular with dog walkers, so be mindful when driving into the neighborhood.