History of Fort Cornwallis in Penang

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.

Cast in 1603, given by the Dutch to Sultan of Johor in 1606. Kidnapped by the Portuguese and taken to Java, then they donated to Acheh and installed at Kuala Selangor.

Finally the British seized it and installed it at the Fort.

And now it is one of the largest cannon in the Fort, thanks a lot for the Bristish effort.