Fort St. George In Chennai

If there was a paradise on the Earth, it would be India. This marvellous country continues to impress me by its endless quantity of relics, museums, monuments and so on. This time I’ve examined Indian rich culture and history visiting the Fort St. George.

History

The Fort is situated near the city of Chennai (or historically, Madras). To be honest, for me, the Fort St.George is more like a complex of well-groomed colonial mansions than like a bastion. What can be interesting is that this fort was the first British building in India, ready-built in 1644. Its construction was ended on 23 April, which is a St. George’s Day, so the Fort was named after this patron of Britain. According to the history, the new Fort became a centre of life in this area, particularly of trading activity and of forming and development of new cities. With the lapse of time here arrived George Town and the city of Madras. From my point of view, it’s a very interesting occurrence that cities were growing around the Fort, not vice-versa.

St. Mary’s Church

I’ve begun my tour from the “Westminster Abbey of the East”, notably St. Mary’s Church, which is situated inside the Fort. It was built behind the Legislature of Tamil Nadu. It’s one of the oldest Anglican churches in Asia. The church is very solid, with thick walls, as it was a shop and a cover during the wars. There’re many memorial plaques and monuments in honour of English soldiers. I really enjoyed admiring a silver plaque, which was presented to the church by Elihu Yale (Fort St. George’s Governor in 1687-1696).

Museum.

Next I’ve visited the Fort Museum. I have to say that there’re many interesting exhibits in it. I felt a real spirit of that age of British rule in India. I’ve examined different things like old medals, weapons, portraits, regimental colours and thick woollen uniforms. There’re also a statue of Lord Cornwallis and his original letters that are very interesting to read. You can find a big iron cage on the first floor, which was used for a sadistic detention of British captain.

There’s a fascinating collection of photos of famous people in a gangway port. I was pretty surprised, when I found there a photo of Queen Elizabeth II.

Finally, I want to say that India doesn’t stop amazing me by its fabulous nature and gorgeous culture. I’m going to continue my trip through this beautiful country and I hope that I’ll find even more wonderful places. I can advise you the Fort St. George as an interesting place to visit, because there’re also some cities near it, so you can have a very interesting trip visiting all of them and, of course, picturesque city Chennai.