The genesis of a British stronghold
In the heart of what was once a bustling hub of trade and commerce during the 17th century, Chennai found itself amid intense competition between the British East India Company and its French and Dutch counterparts. It was amidst this backdrop that the construction of Fort St George took place, designed to establish a formidable British stronghold on the Coromandel Coast and throughout southern India.
As you step into the embrace of Fort St George, its corridors whisper captivating stories from centuries past. The fort stands proudly as the first British garrison settlement in India, and within its walls lies the Clive House, the first British official residential complex. This historic dwelling once housed none other than Lord Robert Clive, the architect of British India.
The grand fort is now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and the station of Tamil Nadu Government. The administrative branches and legislative assembly are housed here today.
Unveiling remarkable tales
The pride of Fort St George is the iconic St. Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican church in India, where some of the earliest British residents of the White Town find their final resting place. The adjacent museum, in a building that exudes charm from a bygone era, reveals a treasure trove of colonial artefacts from British, French, Scottish, and Indian origins. Among the museum's most prized possessions are original letters penned by figures like Clive and Lord Cornwallis, offering a glimpse into their lives and times.
The building which houses the museum at present was built at least a century later than the rest of the fort area. In 1795, Madras Bank started its business in this building. The second-floor hall was used for public meetings, lotteries, and certain entertainment purposes of the upper-class British.
The grandeur of the museum is elevated by a larger-than-life statue of Cornwallis, and a poignant piece of history stands tall in the form of the first-ever Indian flag hoisted after the declaration of independence. As you stroll along the museum's ramparts, you'll encounter the canons once wielded by the renowned Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan.
