Preserving the Quality: A Visual Journey
What I wanted to do was upload my raw videos directly to my WordPress blog so you could see them exactly as I filmed them. However, I found that the WordPress interface was crushing the files, stripping away the clarity and detail that makes this “Visual Journey” what it is.
To ensure you get the best experience possible, I have uploaded these to my YouTube channel instead. This way, the resolution stays sharp, and the history stays clear.
The Cannons of Castle Hill: A Close-Up Walkaround
Take a look at the actual engravings and markings found on these iron guns, from the Royal Cyphers to the serial numbers etched into the breeches. This walkaround shows exactly what’s left of the history on each of the seven cannons. Click the YouTube link below to watch the full video.
Exploring the Visitor Grounds and the Castle Hill Redoubt
Take a walk around the grounds behind the visitor center and up the stone stairs to the detached redoubt. This area offers a different perspective on the fort’s layout and some incredible views looking southeast across the water. Click the YouTube link below to watch the full video.
Hiking Le Gaillardin: A 17th Century Fortress View
This hike takes you to a hidden section of the fortifications located right next to the Jerseyside water tower. It’s a spectacular spot that many visitors might miss, offering an extra line of defence and a perfect vantage point to look down over the bridge and the town. Click the YouTube link below to watch the full video.
Walking the Perimeter Stone Walls: Castle Hill, Placentia
Follow along for a walk around the perimeter of the fortress, following the stone walls that have stood against the elements for centuries. This path reveals the sheer scale of the construction and offers wide-reaching views of the surrounding landscape that many visitors often overlook. Click the YouTube link below to watch the full video.
Exploring the Bunkers of Castle Hill
Take a closer look at the stone structures and enclosed lookouts at the top of the hill. While the official signs are tucked away for the season, the raw stone and the heavy atmosphere of these “bunkers” speak for themselves. It’s a great spot to see the defensive layout and catch the wind coming off the bay. Click the YouTube link below to watch the full video.
The Seven Guns of Castle Hill
The iron sits heavy and weathered against the Placentia wind, but the history is etched right into the metal. These aren’t just relics; they are documented pieces of a global story, standing exactly where they were meant to be.
In this collection, you’ll see the “chicken foot”—the Broad Arrow. That was the King’s mark, the official stamp proving these guns were the property of the British government. Right alongside it is the Royal Cypher, the crown and the initials of King George. These markings are the “smoking gun” proof that these were British-made ordnance, tested and numbered for the defense of this coast.
I have 28 photos in total showing the different markings on these guns. If you’re interested in seeing the rest of those shots, please feel free to reach out to me.
Click here to message me on Facebook m.me/980996615101427, and I’ll be happy to send them over to you
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