Fort Ashby refers to a small fortified area on the Caribbean coast of Nevis, south of Cades Bay but north of the lagoon at Cotton Ground.  The fort was the first of many fortifications built by the British in the 1600s, to defend Nevis against attacks from rival nations. These simple fortifications were not really much to speak of: they were often nothing more than a small outpost with just a few men and a few cannons in the right spot. North of Fort Ashby was another defended spot called Pelican Point, which is now a private house. 

All that remains of Fort Ashby itself are some cannon and some sections of wall. One interesting fact is that Fort Ashby was originally right on the coast, with the outer wall bordering the sea, but now it is some distance inland. (Much of Nevis is losing land due to coastal erosion, but in this area the coastline has been added to over the centuries by the sea depositing sand here.)

Although Fort Ashby itself is at best only a very minor attraction which is rather hard to find, people may however find it interesting as you drive past on the main road, to see the freshwater lagoon which is between the small village of Cotton Ground and the beach. This lagoon is formed by the water from Nelson's Spring, and has served as a very convenient source of fresh water to sailing ships in the past. The lagoon has flowering water lilies, and supports a wide variety of birds, butterflies and aquatic life.