As a proud Penangite, the recent declaration of Fort Cornwallis as one of the world’s ‘most boring tourist attractions’ struck a chord with me.
The fort in the heart of George Town, this historical fortification, while never seeing actual combat, holds a significant place in Malaysia’s colonial history.
Built by Captain Francis Light upon his arrival in 1786, it is a living testament to Penang’s strategic importance in the British Empire’s maritime trade network.
Fort Cornwallis, with its centuries-old moat and sturdy walls, offers more than just a glimpse into military architecture; it is a gateway to George Town’s rich colonial heritage.
For lovers of classic architecture and history buffs alike, exploring the grounds where British ships first landed on Pulau Pinang is not just a visit but an immersive journey back in time.
Join me as we delve into Fort Cornwallis’s storied past and uncover the layers of history that have shaped this iconic landmark and its vibrant city.
What is Fort Cornwallis?
Named after Charles Cornwallis, then Governor-General of India, Fort Cornwallis was built in 1786 by Captain Francis Light of the British East India Company.
Early Construction
It started as a Nibong stockade made of palm trunks and lacked permanent structures.
Covering 417.6 square feet, Fort Cornwallis was strategically erected to defend against pirates and potential French incursions.
Located in George Town, it is near the Penang Clock Tower and within walking distance of Convent Light Street.
In 2024, visiting this historical fort, designed initially to repel pirates and potential French threats, offers a surreal glimpse into the past.
Rebuilding and Development
In 1804, during the Napoleonic Wars, Indian convict laborers, under the direction of Colonel R.T. Farquhar, Governor of Prince of Wales Island, rebuilt the fort using brick and stone.
The reconstruction was completed in 1810 during Norman Macalister’s term as Governor of Penang for $80,000.
Later, it was reinforced with bricks and concrete and used by the Japanese after heavy shelling during World War II (1939 – 1945)
Fort Cornwallis Moat
A 9-meter-wide and 2-meter-deep moat once surrounded the fort but was filled in the 1920s due to a malaria outbreak.
The Fort Cornwallis Moat beyond the wooden doors.
Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse
The Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse, built in 1882 by the British for £10,224, is Malaysia’s second oldest at 21 meters tall. It follows the Cape Rachado Lighthouse in Tanjung Tuan, Melaka.
Originally named the Fort Point Lighthouse, it is distinctive among Malaysian lighthouses and was the fourth built in British Malaya, following those in Malacca and Singapore.
During British colonial rule, an adjacent flagstaff raised the Union Jack to announce mail ship arrivals or the Governor’s descent from Penang Hill.
Renovated in 1914 and 1928 and renamed the Penang Harbour Lighthouse, it was crucial in guiding incoming ships.
Despite its strategic location, Fort Cornwallis never saw combat; instead, it served various administrative and commercial purposes over the years.
Chapel
The Chapel at Fort Cornwallis, constructed in 1799, witnessed its first recorded marriage that same year between John Timmers and Martina Rozells, the widow of Captain Francis Light.
Main Magazine
Located in the southwest bastion, the building identified as the main magazine features a substantial roof and surrounding buttresses typical of magazine structures of that era.
It stands as Penang’s earliest roofed structure from the colonial era.
The fort houses several historical artifacts.
Visitors to the Main Magazine
Cannons
Old cannons, including the largest one, Seri Rambai, adorn the fort.
Cast In 1603, Seri Rambai has a storied history, passing through the Dutch, Acehnese, and British hands before being installed at Fort Cornwallis in the 1950s.
In 2018, a team of archaeologists and historians from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) discovered two 200-year-old cannons at the Fort Cornwallis archaeology site.
This finding might alter the historical narrative of Fort Cornwallis, known as Kota Keamanan, or Peaceful Fort.
Both cannons were marked with GR symbols, believed to date back to the era of King George III, similar to one previously found in Bukit Bendera.
However, the original 1877 map of Fort Cornwallis did not mention these cannons.
Visitors often argue that although the site is historically important, it lacks engaging activities and modern amenities that appeal to today’s tourists.
Nevertheless, it remains a significant landmark for those interested in colonial history and architecture.
Visitors can explore the restored structures and enjoy the serene waterfront views, making it a worthwhile stop for history buffs and curious travelers, even if they choose not to enter.
Location and General Information
Fort Cornwallis is within the UNESCO World Heritage Site in central George Town, Penang.
Coordinates: 5.4205°N 100.3439°E
Area: 38.8 square meters (418 square feet)
Facilities: Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse, Seri Rambai cannon
Features: Fort Cornwallis Moat
Fort Cornwallis Moat Restoration
The restoration of the Fort Cornwallis south moat marks a significant return of open space to multicultural George Town, Penang.
This initiative is a key element of the George Town North Seafront Masterplan, developed by the George Town Conservation and Development Corporation—a partnership between Penang Chief Minister Incorporated and Think City, with technical advice from the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC).
George Town’s exceptional multicultural heritage and well-preserved historical buildings, rare in other Southeast Asian cities like Singapore and Hong Kong, provide an ideal backdrop for AKTC’s Historic Cities Programme.
Since signing a Memorandum of Understanding in 2013, AKTC has collaborated with local entities to capitalize on George Town’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and burgeoning tourism.
It promotes conservation that prioritizes cultural assets as catalysts for urban regeneration.
View of Fort Cornwallis Moat towards the Jubilee Clock Tower
Modern Significance
Today, Fort Cornwallis is one of Penang’s prime tourist attractions.
The site was gazetted as an Ancient Monument and Historic site on 8 September 1977.
The George Town Conservation & Development Corporation (GTCDC) works tirelessly on a conservation program at Fort Cornwallis, focusing on storeroom restoration and moat reinstatement, with technical support from the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
These efforts ensure that the site’s historical significance and appeal will be preserved for future generations.
Visiting Fort Cornwallis
Things to Know
Admission Fee: RM20 (MyKad – RM10) for adults, RM10 (MyKid – RM5) for children. (Prices are subject to change)
Duration: Typically, an hour is sufficient to explore the fortress.
Facilities: Nearby, a hawker center offers some of Penang’s renowned dishes at affordable prices.
Recommended: Hameed Pata Mee Sotong, Coconut Shake, Western Food, and Hainan Food.
How to Get There
Fort Cornwallis is conveniently reachable on foot from various locations within George Town.
Visitors can choose guided tours that provide transportation to multiple sites g or opt to walk around if they have 48 Hours in Penang.
When to Visit
Fort Cornwallis is open daily from morning until night. Consider visiting after sunset for a quieter experience, cooler temperatures, and the opportunity to see the fortress illuminated.
Dining Inside Fort Cornwallis
Food enthusiasts can enjoy gourmet fusion cuisine at Kota Dine & Coffee, a restaurant within the fort’s historic walls.
Inspired by Penang’s diverse culinary heritage and Malaysia’s international influences, the restaurant welcomes guests from mid-morning until late evening.
Conclusion
Fort Cornwallis is a cornerstone of Penang’s rich heritage, steeped in history and architectural significance.
Whether discovering its ancient artifacts, admiring the vistas from the lighthouse, or savoring cuisine at the on-site restaurant, visiting Fort Cornwallis provides a profound journey into Penang’s colonial legacy and ongoing preservation endeavors.
Fort Cornwallis
Address: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, 10200 George Town, Penang
Google: https://g.co/kgs/8A2TV2Z
Source:
Fort Cornwallis – Shedding light on Penang’s early history
Historic George Town unveils reinstated south moat at Fort Cornwallis
Two 200 year old cannons found at Fort Cornwallis
Fort Cornwallis: A Laboratory for Research and Training in Traditional Construction
