St. George’s Fort

Started as an idea to support English trade in the Coromandel Coast, the year 1644 saw the establishment of St. George’s Fort in Chennai. This popular heritage site of Tamilnadu has not only witnessed events and wars but also has served as the core of British rule for more than three centuries.

St. George’s Fort experienced the command of both the French (1746-1749) and the English as well. This heritage attraction has not lost its charm even though it has been the target of the Sultan of Mysore, Hyder Ali, and the French. As time passed the area around was turned into a city and even though the days of the fort are occupied by politics, tourist attractions like the Fort Museum which was the first office of Madras Bank, followed by St. Mary’s Church and Wellesley House.

History of Fort St. George

Constructed by the Britishers in 1640, Fort St. George has an interesting story behind its origin. It is said that the authorities of the East India Company came to India in 1600 and obtained a license for starting trading and commercial activities. However, to safeguard their English trade interests linked to spice and other items, the company decided to build a fort and hence, purchased the land close to Marina Beach.

After that, the EIC started working on it and the project was completed on April 23, 1644. Coincidentally, it was the same date on which St. George Day was celebrated, and hence, they named the fort as Fort St. George.

Architecture of Fort St. George

Featuring an impressive architecture, the main highlight of Fort St. George is its museum. Named as Fort Museum, it boasts a varied collection of antiquities that are well-presented in different galleries. For example, you can visit the Portrait Gallery to see portraits and oil paintings of the Madras Governors such as Queen Victoria, King George III, Sir Arthur Havelock, and Robert Clive. Or you can explore the Indo-French Gallery to discover exhibits like clocks, stamps, furniture, lampshades, and centuries-old British coins.

The Uniform and Medals Gallery displays the military uniforms, ceremonial dresses, and approximately 64 medals that were given to the soldiers who fought various battles in the Indian subcontinent. Other than that, the museum also houses weapons, appreciation letters, sketches, and artifacts from Scotland.

Another interesting monument within the boundaries of Fort St. George is St. Mary’s Church. Considered as the oldest Anglican church in Asia, the St. Mary’s Church features intricate wooden furnishings along with glass windows and teak plaques that still shine. Dating its history back to the year 1678, this building has stood with time and is worth visiting for everyone.