Fort Cornwallis, Star fort in George Town, Malaysia.
Fort Cornwallis is a star fortification in George Town on Penang Island, positioned at the northeastern corner of the city center along the waterfront. The complex consists of thick stone walls that enclose an open field where a steel lighthouse, old cannons, and several low stone buildings stand.
The British East India Company built the first wooden palisade in 1786 when Captain Francis Light landed at this site and claimed the island as a trading outpost. The present stone walls replaced the original timber structure between 1808 and 1810, while the chapel dates to 1799.
The name honors Charles Cornwallis, the governor general who ruled over Bengal India at the time of construction. Local legends suggest that the Dutch cannon within the complex received offerings of flowers from women hoping for children, a practice that continues through present day.
The fortification opens daily from 9 AM to 10 PM, with entrance fees of 20 RM for adults and 10 RM for children. The site lies within walking distance of many downtown George Town attractions and is best visited in daylight when details of the walls and cannons are visible.
The Sri Rambai Cannon was installed in 1871 and is a Dutch-made artillery piece that changed hands between regional powers before arriving here. The cannon bears an inscription in Dutch as well as the crest of the Dutch East India Company.
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