Coastal artillery
This fort was captured by a Dutch fleet under Antonie Caan in 1639 and in 1665 a new fort was built here by the Dutch to defend against the advancements of the British and the French. In 1672, the year when the Dutch Republic was attacked by France, Britain, and two German states, the French tried to establish a base for the French East-India Company in nearby Kottiyar Bay, but they were soon forced to leave. Trincomalee was important for its large all-season secure harbor. In late 18th century Trincomalee traded hands once more with the British capturing it during the Fourth Anglo-Dutch War, the French taking it from the British and handing it back to the Dutch East India Company (VOC) at the Peace of Paris in 1784. In 1795, when the French had occupied the Dutch Republic during the War of the First Coalition, it was again taken over by the British, who renamed it Fort Fredrick. It remained a British garrison till 1948. Duri Coastal artillery guns were added during the two World Wars. Today it remains garrisoned by a detachment of the Gajaba Regiment, Sri Lanka Army, but accessible to visitors.