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As one of the most famous historical landmarks in Penang, Fort Cornwallis is the largest standing fort in Malaysia today. Situated at the northeast coastline of Penang Island in George Town, it was named after Governor-General in Bengal, Charles Cornwallis (1738 – 1805).
If you take a stroll along Esplanade, you can hardly miss out this significant icon as it occupies an area of 332,859 square feet of a star-like shape. The fort’s wall is approximately 10m in height. A relax walk along the perimeter itself easily take you more than 10 minutes.
The first structure of Fort Cornwallis from palm trunks (or 'nibong' in Malaysian Language) stockade was constructed in August 1786, the same year after Captain Francis Light managed to lease Penang Island from Sultan of Kedah. Fort Cornwallis only covered an area of 417.6 square feet then. This location was exactly the spot where Francis Light disembarked from his ship in 1768.
In 1804, Fort Cornwallis was rebuilt by Indian convicts with bricks and stones and it was completed in 1810 when Norman Macalister was the Governor of Penang at the cost of $80,000. In the original fort structure, a moat of 9m wide and 2m deep was built around the fort but later was filled up in 1920s due to malaria epidemic.
Designed with the intention to protect against piracy, Kedah and French Napoleon Wars, Fort Cornwallis however never engage in any battle but rather like a gated compound of administrative barracks equipped with a chapel, prison cells, stores, a harbor light and a flagstaff. During 1920s, the fort was once occupied by the Sikh Police of the Straits Settlements.
Housing the first chapel ever built on Penang Island, if you visit Fort Cornwallis today, this old chapel of a triangular shaped root still stands soundly at the south-west corner of the fort. The chapel was completed in 1799 and on the same year, the first recorded service took place when John Timmers wedded Martina Rozells, the widow of Francis Light.
Inside this fort, there are several vintage bronze canons and one of the most outstanding canons is named Seri Rambai dated back to 1603. It is positioned next to a gunpowder magazine, facing the Straits of Malacca. In fact, Seri Rambai had made a long journey before resting here at Fort Cornwallis. If you observe carefully, 'VOC' was engraved on this cannon signifies an evidence from Dutch which was presented to Sultan of Johore. Then, it was given to Acheen and installed at Kuala Selangor. Somehow, it was seized by British and installed here in 1871. According to local folklore, childless woman can conceive after placing flower garland at its barrel. Guess I shall leave that for you to experiment! And share your success story here. 
Recently, there was an archeological excavation conducted within Fort Cornwallis compound. Among some interesting items founds include debris of china, ceramic and metal. The archeological site (picture below) displays the initial layer of barrack that housed the Europeans during the early days. 
Today Fort Cornwallis is privately managed and equipped with tourist information kiosk, souvenir shop, cafe, open air amphitheater, clean washrooms and Captain Francis Light bronze statue right after you enter into the fort compound to welcome you! The entrance fee is RM3 for an adult and RM2 for child and it is open from Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm and close on Sunday.
My visit to Fort Cornwallis last Saturday was not merely a historical walk but indeed has captured a thousand and one visual memories in my mind that will linger for a very long time!
Getting there?
Click here for Google Map. If you are putting up in George Town, hop on the free shuttle bus (CAT) provided by Penang State Government.
If you are looking to stay at this place you may try find your hotels in Penang
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Penang Heritage Trail - Fort Cornwallis at Esplanade
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