The history of Penang is synoym with the history of Fort Cornwallis.
Just after taking over Penang from Sultan of Kedah, Captain Sir Francis Light build the fort in 1786 using palm tree at the tip of cape called Fort Point.
Convict labourers were used later to rebuilt the fort using brick for 67,000 Spanish Dollar in 1793.
Even though the main purpose of the Fort was built because of Military purpose, the Fort has never been attack by the Sultan of Kedah, Pirates or the French.
It was used mainly for administrative function of East India Company.
Interesting Structures
Chapel
The first chapel built in Penang located at the south west of the Fort. Ironically, the first recorded service was the marriage of Francis Light's widow, Martina Rozens to John Timmers in 1799.
Cell
First was used as a barracks to house a company of European artillery, then converted to cell rooms.
Now, it is being used as a Gallary Rooms to educate visitors about the Fort's history and also other interesting facts about Penang History.
Gunpowder Magazine
Built in 1814, it's thick wall can contain any major explosion in it.
Seri Rambai Cannon
One the jewel of the Fort. Located at the North West of the Fort, it has more than 400 years of history. It's has a unique design.
Made in 1603, given by the Dutch to Sultan of Johor as a gift in 1606. Later on seized by the Portuguese and taken to Java, then they donated to Acheh and it was installed at Kuala Selangor.
Finally the British seized it and installed it at Fort Cornwallis.
And now it is one of the largest cannon in the Fort.
Operating Hour
Monday - Saturday : 9.00 am - 6.30 pm
Sunday - Closed
Fort Cornwallis | Address
Fort Cornwallis
Jalan Tun Syed Barakbah,
10200 GeorgeTown,
Penang, Malaysia
Tel No : + 604 261 0262 / 261 0263
Fax No : + 604 261 0260
Fort Cornwallis | Map
View Fort Cornwallis, Penang in a larger map
Fort Cornwallis | Gallery
Fort Cornwallis Penang | Main Entrance To Fort Cornwallis
Fort Cornwallis Penang | Cannons facing the sea. Never seen any actions
Fort Cornwallis Penang | British Canopy Models
Fort Cornwallis Penang | Oldest Chapel in Penang
Fort Cornwallis Penang | Gunpowder & Cannon balls
Fort Cornwallis Penang | Gunpowder Magazine
Fort Cornwallis Penang | Pictures in Gallery / Previously Cells
Fort Cornwallis Penang | Cell Rooms / Now turn to Gallery
Fort Cornwallis Penang | Lighthouse
Fort Cornwallis Penang | Lighthouse
Fort Cornwallis Penang | Seri Rambai Cannnon
Fort Cornwallis Penang | Seri Rambai Cannnon
Fort Cornwallis Penang | Seri Rambai Cannnon
Fort Cornwallis Penang | 5 Meter Height Wall
