[1] It was built as a fort and "look-out post", for the British during the run up to the annexation of the former Transvaal and the Zulu War, although it really never served that purpose.

Major Charles Frederick Amiel was born on 2 August 1822, in Hanover Square, London, England.

In 1979 the site was declared a National Monument[2] and restoration work began after the discovery of the original plans for the fort during this period in a London Museum.

The restoration work was undertaken by the visionary Newcastle Town Council and in conjunction with the Natal Museum Services.

Today, Fort Amiel houses an historic/cultural museum, featuring military displays of the two Anglo-Boer Wars.