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"Fort Cornwallis"
Penang Richest Historical Site


Main Entrance
Fort Cornwallis - The Great Fortress of Penang
Sir Francis Light would have never thought that the fort he built more than two
centuries ago are still intake and filled with the everlasting rich history of Penang.

The star shaped Fort Cornwallis marks the starting point where
Francis Light and his
crew from British East India Company landed in Penang on 11th August 1786 to
"take possession" of the island from the Sultan of Kedah. It was later named after
the Governor-General of Bengal, Charles Marquis Cornwallis.
The Fort was built initially with
nibong (palm trunk) stockade with no
permanent structures, covering an
area of 417.6 sq. ft. And it was only
during Colonel R.T. Farquhar's term
as Governor of Penang in 1804 that
the fort was rebuilt with bricks and
stones by convict labor dispatched
from India.

The construction of Fort Cornwallis
was completed in 1810 during
Norman Macalister's term as the
Governor of Penang with the cost of
about 80,000 Spanish Dollars.
Interesting site that can be found in the fort during that
time was:
  • A military barracks and offices as well as the room for
    the storage of gunpowder magazine.
  • A Christian Chapel - the firstly built and recorded
    service of marriage that took place in Penang,
  • A harbor light & flagstaff to signal and communicate
    with incoming ships.
  • Numerous cannons with one of it being call Sri
    Rambai, a brass cannon with an interesting history.
    According to local folks the cannon possess magical
    power in which if a lady place a flowers on the barrel
    of the cannon, their fertility rate can be increase.
  • Cell rooms to hold prisoners.
  • Stores and guard houses.
  • A moat of 9m wide and 2m deep surrounding the fort
    that is being filled up in the early 1920 due to the
    malaria epidemic that hit the island
Statue of Francis Light
Although was originally built for the Royal artillery
troops and the military, it was used more on
administrative rather than defense. In its entire
history, the fort had never been engaged in any
battle even when the Japanese took over Penang
from the British during World War 2.

The Fort was gazettes on 8th Sept 1977 under
the Antiquities Act 16B/1976 as an Ancient
Monument and Historic Site so that it can be
conserve and preserve. From March 2000 to March
2001, the restoration of Fort Cornwallis has been
granted by the Malaysia goverment using a total
sum of RM1.9million to bring back the shine and to
its former glory.

In 1991, the government had privatized the
management of the Fort in an effort to enhance
its position as one of the prime tourist attractions
in Penang.
Logo of British East
India Company
Old British Canopy Model
Cell Room that has been
converted into gallery
Today, Fort Cornwallis with its new ornamental wooden gate and complete with an
observation tower at the main entrance, looks more solid and intact than ever. The
heart of the fort contains lines of air condition historical gallery, a handicraft and
souvenir shop, and a modern open-air amphitheatre, where local music and cultural
festivals are frequently staged.

The legendary fort of Penang has now turn to become a protected historical and
with the current overall area of 332,859 sq.ft, the fort are the biggest and the most
intact fort that can be found in Malaysia.
Storage Room for
Gunpowder Magazine
Cannon
When you walk into the fort, you'll be greeted by the
bronze statue of Francis Light that overlooks the fort
which holds a great heritage treasure in the capital
of Georgetown. And with entrance fees of a mere
RM3, I guarantee that you'll get your money worth.

There is a fort directory located at you left side
which will guide you on what are the attractions that
can be found here. It will be best if you start your
tour on the left side of the fort by visiting the
chapel, followed by the historical gallery to know
more about the history of the fort.
Once you finished, walk toward the old model of British canopy that is being used by
Francis Light when he first arrived in Penang on 1786. You'll be able to see the
modern amphitheatre that will showcase the arts and cultural activities during
certain days of the month.

If you're lucky, you'll be welcome by a nice lady wearing an old British custom to
help shoot a photo of you with the statue of Francis Light (Top pic). The fort
entrance is facing the field of City Hall. Just ask around if you can't find the
entrance.

If you need further information on Fort Cornwallis, just
e mail me! I'll get back to you
as soon as I can. Promise :-)
Opening Hour :
Fort Cornwallis are open from 8:30am to 7:00pm daily.
Admission :
RM 3 per person.
Getting There :
The fort are located at Padang Kota Lama, Georgetown. Pretty easy to find. You
can get there either by walking or taking a more relaxing trishaw ride. If you drive,
you can park your car at the parking lot beside the fort. Parking fees - very cheap!
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