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Fort Cornwallis

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Penang Island, to date, is prominently known for its exquisite food and heritage trails. Fort Cornwallis stands out as the popular historical landmark for tourists, due to its rich history of over two centuries. Throughout its operational history, it is mostly used as a military and administrative base for the British East India Company, which enabled the Company to secure the spice and silk trade route.
Fort Cornwallis, the largest standing fort in Malaysia, was built by the British East India Company in the late 18th century. A blockade was constructed under the order of Captain Francis Light, after acquiring ownership of Penang Island from the Sultan of Kedah in 1786. The original blockade was built with “nibong” (palm trunks) in defence against pirates and Kedah. The stockade covered an area of 417.6 sq. ft. In the 1804, Colonel Farquhar reinforced the star-shaped bastion with brick and stone using Indian convict labourers. There used to be a 9 metre by 2 metre moat surrounding the fort. It was filled right after the malaria outbreak in the 1920s.
The landmark was named after Governor-General of Bengal, Charles Cornwallis of the American War of Independence. The fort was fortunate enough to not see or engage in any combat. The ten-foot high walls of Fort Cornwallis, albeit its race against time, still shelter the beautifully enclosed park and its artefacts exquisitely.
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There are several must-see artefacts in Fort Cornwallis:
√ Statue of the Legendary Sir Captain Francis Light, positioned at the fort entrance greeting all incoming visitors. As an attribute to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Francis Light’s historical landing, F.J. Wilcoxson sculpted this bronze sculpture in 1936.
√ The Sri Rambai Canon, is a British cannon installed on the North-West bastion of the fort. It was originally a gift to the Sultan of Johore by the Dutch. Some locals believed that this particular canon has positive effect on women’s fertility.
√ The Chapel, recognised as the first ever chapel built on the island.
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The Fort proudly presents KOTA, short for KOTA Dine & Coffee – When Francis Meets Rempah, a modern café that offers traditional Peranakan cuisines. The café interior elegantly introduces a sentimental atmosphere, the perfect retreat for travellers to unwind before resuming the Penang trail.
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Fort Cornwallis, situated near Victoria Memorial Clock next to the Esplanade, is definitely an excellent destination to kick-start the day of heritage visit in George Town!
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