St. George Fort is located on the banks of Bay of Bengal. It was built by the British East India Company in 1640 AD. The fort is believed to be the first establishment of the British in India. It is a military architecture marvel, which was erected as a trading post and later evolved to be the origin of modern Indian Army.
About Fort st. George In Chennai :
St. George Fort has a number of other worth watching monuments within its boundaries. St. Mary’s Church, situated in the fort, is one of the oldest surviving churches built by the British in India. This beautiful building has stood the test of time and still holds the splendor of the yore. The glass windows, wall frescos, teak plaques still shine with their all time glory. Another fascinating structure here is the 150 ft tall Flagstaff, made entirely of teakwood. Though the original flagstaff is no more to be seen, its remains are still visible.
Fort St. George Attractions :
Fort St. George has the tallest flagstaff in India, which is at a towering height of 150 feet. The pole, till 1994, was made of complete teak after which the teak was replaced with metal. The structure of the fort is characteristic of English Style of architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries.
There are many collections that can be seen in the fort museum that are of immense historical interest. There are many objects like the coins, medals, weapons, uniforms and other artefacts from France, Britain and India dating as back as to the British period. The museum also houses authentic letters scripted by Clive and Cornwallis. There is even a uniform of the era exhibited for viewing.
The first floor of the fort has a banquet hall, which comprises paintings of the Governor of the Fort and other high officials of the Regime.
The canons of Tipu Sultan adorn the parapets of the museum.
St. Mary’s Church constructed in 1678-80 AD is the oldest Anglican Church in India. The tombstones in its courtyard are said to be amongst the first British tombstones in India. Thise auspicious marriage of Robert Clive and Governor Elinu-Yale was sanctified at the ancient prayer house. The church was commonly nicknamed as the Westminster Abbey of the East.
Structures Fort St. George in Chennai :
Museum
The premises of Fort St. George display items that were kept in the fort during British rule. The building that houses the museum was completed in 1795 and initially; it was used as the office of the Madras Bank. The rich collection of the museum comprises of weapons, coins, medals, uniforms and other artifacts from Britain, France and India, almost all of which date back to the British period. The original letters written by Clive and Cornwallis, along with a set of period uniforms, also form a part of this collection. However, what serves as the icing on the cake is a large statue of Lord Cornwallis. All the relics exhibited at the museum serve as a reminder of the British rule in India.
Wellesley House
The Wellesley House is a major attraction of the St George Fort. On the first floor of the house is the banquet hall, which displays the paintings of the Governor of the Fort, along with the other high officials of the Regime. The battlements of the Wellesley House stand adorned with the canons belonging to Tipu Sultan. As one enters the building, the first sight that comes across is that of a 14.5 ft statue situated near a stairway, which was created by Charles Bank in England.
Clive House
Clive House, also known as the ‘Admirality House’, once served as the residence of Robert Clive. He first stayed in this house with his wife in the year 1753. A brick and mortar structure, Clive House was constructed more than 300 years back. The wooden floors of the house seem to be beautifully complimented by its intricately carved wooden staircases and high ceilings. A huge hall on the first floor is ornamented with Corinthian columns and was used as a banquet hall for parties and celebrations.
History Fort st. George In Chennai :
Fort St George is an important monument holding the secrets of historical events in the city. The establishment of Fort St. George marked the birth of the new city, that is Madras, in the year 1640. The fort was named after St George who is believed to have preached in the region. The British East India Company, after buying the land from the Nayak of Vandavasi in 1639, led the establishment of what was called the Madrasemen, the permenant setllement of the company. One year later they built the fort as a commanding post in the region.
Features Fort st. George In Chennai :
The fort in present Chennai houses the Tamil Nadu Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly. The fort in its present form looks more like a mansion, rather any fort. The foundation walls of the structure are quite solid and the whole complex is provided with enormous gates. The building is a live example of British milliatary architecture of the bygone era. St George’s Fort also houses one of the oldest British Church in India. The church called St Mary’s was built in the year 1680. The Lighthouse in the northern compound was built in the year 1844 and superseded by one more in 1971.
Visiting Fort St. George :
The permissible timings of visit are 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM. The fort remains closed on Friday. The Entrance Fee differs for Indians when compared to tourists of foreign origin.
How to Reach Fort St. George at Chennai :
By Air
Chennai is well connected to other important cities of India.
By Rail
Chennai is an important Railway junction in South India. The city of Chennai is also well connected to all the major cities in India through a wide network of railways.
By Road
Chennai city is well connected to all the major cities in Tamil Nadu and other neighboring states through an excellent road network