Location:
Chennai
Built By: The British, 1640- 53
Famous As: The oldest English Fort on the East Coast
Considered impregnable once upon a time, Fort St. George is today a mute
witness to the changes forced by rapid urbanisation within its own walls.
The first construction to be made by the English on the east coast, Fort St.
George is today merely a name. It has the distinction of being the oldest
English fort on the East Coast, the tallest flag post in the region, the
oldest Anglican Church in the east of Suez. Constructed between 1640 and
1653 and subsequently reconstructed in 1783, the Fort was once a town,
complete with named streets, alleys and roads.
An Inside View
» Fort Museum
It is nest to three centuries of English history with a fine collection of
artefacts belonging to the British era. Besides, there are also some French
antiques.
» St. Mary's Church
In 1677 Mr. Streynsham Master became Governor of the Fort. A man of strong
personality and independent judgement, he worked zealously for the cause of
the church. On Easter Monday 1678, the foundations were laid for the new
church. It was completed in two and a half years, in the reign of Charles
the second.Thus established, the little church of St. Mary grew in stature
over the years.With its marble plaques, tombstones and dedications it has
been a silent witness to the changing history of Madras city.
» Clive House
It is the place where Robert Clive lived with his wife in 1753 and later.
About 300 years old, the imposing crick and mortar structure was originally
called "Admiralty House". It has wooden floors, and beautifully
carved wooden staircases and high ceilings, and the roof is supported by
British steel girders made by Dorvan Long & Co. Ltd. Middles-brough,
England. The centre-piece of Clive House is a huge hall on the first floor
with Corinthian columns. The British threw several parties in this Hall,
obviously a banquet hall. Clive House formed part of Clive Building. This
building is on the southern side of the Fort.
