Fort James was built on the island in the 1650s and has been held by the French, Dutch and British, the later used the fort as a slave collection point until slaving was abolished.
The fort was completely destroyed and rebuilt at least three times but today only ruins remain.
The island was so small that is had to be 'extended' to accommodate other buildings as well the fort. This was done by creating embankments supported by stakes however these are slowly being eroded at some points, the water now reaches parts of the ruin.