Fort Cornwallis Historical Facts and Pictures

Spanning over 417.6 sq.ft. on the north-eastern coast of the Penang island, Fort Cornwallis is the largest standing fort in Malaysia. It was built in the late 18th century by Captain Francis Light of the British East India Company after he took possession of the island from the Sultan of Kedah. It was named after Charles Cornwallis, the 18th century Governor-General of Bengal, India.

Fort Cornwallis Images

Entrance of Fort Cornwallis

Fort Cornwallis Photos

The bronze statue of Sir Francis Light near the main entrance of the fort emphasizes the rich historical aspect of this star shaped fortress.

Sir Francis Light Statue

Entrance of Fort Cornwallis

Fort Cornwallis Entrance

Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse

There is a 21 meter tall steel lighthouse located in the south-east corner of the fort. It was known as Fort Point Lighthouse before being renamed as Penang Harbour Lighthouse following its renovations in 1914 and 1925.

Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse

It is the only lighthouse in Malaysia that does not provide any navigational function and features a ship’s mast in its structure.

Fort Cornwallis Pictures

Fort Cornwallis

Artillery Inside Fort Cornwallis

Fort Cornwallis Inside View

Although the fort was initially meant to be a defensive organization against the forces of  Kedah and the French during the reign of Napoleon, it served more as an administrative unit.

Fort Cornwallis Inside

The inside of the fort is occupied with cell blocks, munition storage areas, barracks and old bronze cannons. Among the several cannons, the largest one is known as the Seri Rambai and is considered a symbol of fertility.

Inside Fort Cornwallis

Fort Cornwallis Interior

Inside of Fort Cornwallis

A chapel built in 1799, is located in the south-west corner of the fort, which is also regarded as the first chapel ever built on the Penang island.