Fort Cornwallis, Penang

Fort Cornwallis, named after the then Governor-General of India, Lord Charles Cornwallis, marks the spot where the founder of Penang, Sir Francis Light, and his crew first landed in 1786, to claim possession of the island.

entrance to Fort Cornwallis, Penang

Sir Francis Light, founder of Penang

Initially constructed with nipah palm, it was rebuilt in 1810 with a moat. Unlike other forts, Fort Cornwallis was used as an administrative centre, rather than for defence.

star-shaped fort

cannons sticking out from the wall of the fort

This star-shaped fort is also home to a chapel, where the first recorded marriage was between Sir Francis Light’s widow, Martina Rozells and John Timmers.

Penang state flag flying high

grounds outside of the fort

Today, Fort Cornwallis, which is located at Padang Kota Lama, is known as the most well-preserved fort in Peninsular Malaysia. It was gazetted on September 8, 1977, under the Antiquities Act 168/1976, as an Ancient Monument and Historic Site.

Taman Kota Lama (Fort Cornwallis)

Admission fee:
Adult – RM2
Child (5 – 12 years old) – RM1

Opening hours: 9am – 7pm daily

Fort Cornwallis (Kota Cornwallis)
Add: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, 10200 George Town, Penang.
Tel: +604-2620202

Note: View larger images by clicking on an image once this page has completely loaded. Then navigate by clicking on the right or left side of image.

Share this post if you like it!

•