Falmouth Harbour has been a safe anchorage for ships since Antigua's earliest days, and the town on its northern shore was one of the first settlements. The harbour remains very much in use today, providing anchorage for craft from modern racing sloops and motor yachts to wooden schooners and classic Trumpys. Fort Charles on Blake Island in Falmouth Harbour is one of the oldest forts in Antigua. Construction was begun in 1672, and by 1714 the fort boasted 14 guns with which to defend Falmouth.