Lévis Forts National Historic Site of Canada
Amazing Architecture!
Illustration of the Fort No. 1 pentagon shape
© Parks Canada
The three detached forts at Point Lévy were built to counter the destructive
effect of the new rifled canon. They were set in a zigzag formation to reinforce
the line of defence. If the enemy were to succeed in getting past one of the
forts, its troubles were not yet over. Each fort had its own unique system
of defence.
Fort No. 1 was designed as an asymmetrical pentagon. While its shape
was different from the other two, it nonetheless comprised the same elements
of defence.
Ditch
The ditch was the primary defensive obstacle and skirted around the
perimeter of the fort, five metres deep.
Caponiers
Illustration of a Gorge Caponier
© Parks Canada
Four caponiers were built to defend the ditch and were designed with
gun embrasures and loopholes to better aim the artillery. The head caponier
covered the fort from side to side. The left and right caponiers covered
the area extending from the flanks to the back of the fort. The gorge caponier
protected the rear of the forts.
Terreplein
Drawing of a Terreplein
© Parks Canada
The terreplein camouflaged the fort. It was a monumental construction
built using tons of backfill taken mainly from the ditch. It provided protection
and physical support for the twenty or so canons that would defend the fort.
Parade Ground
Behind the terreplein were the parade grounds. This is where the
troops would assemble, where the military exercises were carried out and
where sports such as cricket were played.
Casemates
Drawing of a casemate
© Parks Canada
Buried under the terreplein were 12 casemates housing the barracks
for the garrison. Each one could house 12 soldiers. Each man had 15 cubic
metres of personal space. This was the new standard for the British army
designed to control promiscuity and prevent epidemics.
Powder Magazine
Illustration of the Main powder magazine
© Parks Canada
For obvious security reasons, the powder magazine was located at
a fair distance from the casemates. It had to be readily accessible but well
hidden under the terreplein to prevent any accidental explosions. An excellent
example of a bombproof magazine!