Fort Rodd Hill

National Historic Site of Canada

Evolution of the Victoria Esquimalt

Coast Defences

INTRODUCTION

Although the batteries which formed the coast defences of Victoria - Esquimalt were never called upon to repel an enemy, the threat of an attack was very real on more than one occasion. At such times, the value of these batteries was never in doubt.  Their existence helped to ensure the security of the city of Victoria.

By protecting the drydock and naval base at Esquimalt, the coast defences provided the warships of the Royal Navy, and later the Royal Canadian Navy, with a secure anchorage from which they could sail to provide protection to the entire coast of British Columbia.

The above links contain excerpts from the handout available to the public at Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site, Colwood BC.  The content was made available for our website through the auspices of Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site.