Gatehouse at Fort Williamsburg

Cadw's description

Location

Built into the bank on the north side of the fort accessed from the main north entrance via a footbridge across the ditch; faces into the former parade ground. Fort Williamsburg is approximately 0.5km south-east of the house.

History

Fort Williamsburg was built by Sir Thomas John Wynn in 1761 following his election as MP for Caernarvonshire and his appointment as Constable of Caernarvon Castle and Lord Lieutenant making him responsible for the county's militia. He was a notable eccentric of his day and he carried out these responsibilities in an unparalleled way, by building his own private garrison within the park at the family home.

On the day of George III's coronation (September 1761) Wynn founded 'The Society or Garrison at Fort Williamsburg in Glynllifon Park' and he also created 'The Holy Order of Sisterhood United, Connected and Regulated with the Free, Firm and Friendly Garrison of Williamsburg' - a unique volunteer organisation. The intention was for the garrison to comprise a Commander in Chief, a Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, 100 Officers, an Archdeacon, 24 chaplains, 24 honorary members and an unlimited number of volunteers. Although the officers were not part of the regular army they wore full and colourful uniform all at Wynn's expense.

The Caernarvonshire Militia was mobilised for a year while there was a threat of French invasion but even after the 1763 Treaty of Paris the muster books show that the Williamsburg garrison continued to meet. However, having realised that Fort Williamsburg had limited strategic capability, and with the American War of Independence once again threatening British shores, Wynn began work on Fort Belan begun in 1775.

This gatehouse appears to be of two periods with the front part facing the parade ground being later, perhaps part of the alterations said to have been made between 1832 and 1840 as the Neo-classical style has similarities to that of the contemporary rebuilding of the main house.

Exterior

Gatehouse designed more in the manner of a Neo-classical garden pavilion. The main part faces the former parade ground and is of red brick construction, now cement rendered, and with a hipped slate roof and bracketed eaves. This roof is continued back over the lean-to rear entrance of rubble construction. The symmetrical front has a central 2-order arch flanked by smaller blind arched recesses below a deep bandcourse at impost level with paterae ornament; plaster roundels above. The recesses have viewing slits. Arched entrance at the opposite end and attached footbridge over the ditch.

The fort is roughly square with redans to the four corners and with surrounding ditches and revetment walls.

Interior

Central slate flagged path flanked by cobbled floor with geometric pattern of medallions, hearts and flowers. The later part is a single chamber and there are further viewing apertures through to the rear part that tunnels into the bank.

Reason for designation

Listed grade II* as an integral part of this rare and remarkable British example of an C18 private fortification.

Group value with other listed items at Fort Williamsburg.