Fort ST. George
Fort St. George occupies a place of pride and prominence in Chennai. It was
built in 1640 AD, by the British East India Company under the direct supervision
of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon. This bastion achieved name from St. George,
the patron saint of England. The fort houses St. Mary's Church and fort museum.
St. Mary's Church the oldest Anglican church in India built in 1680 and the
tombstones in it's courtyard are the oldest British tombstones in India. This
ancient prayer house solemnised the marriages of Robert Clive and Governor Elinu-Yale,
who later founded the Yale University in the States.
The Fort Museum is the repository of rare exhibits of weapons, uniforms, coins,
costumes, medals and some other artifacts dating back to the British period.
The flag staff at Fort St. George is still the tallest in India.
South of the Fort is the War Memorial, a graceful monument built in 1939 in
memory of the warriors who sacrificed their lives during the First World War.
The Island Grounds, the biggest lung space in the city is situated on an island
formed by the river Cooum. This ground is the eventful venue of Trade and the
Tourist Fairs held periodically which are seasonal attractions.
The High Court with the decorative domes and corridors reminiscent of Indo/Saracenic
architecture and the adjacent Parry's corner are the important landmarks of
Chennai . This area is always crowded and active. Built in 1892, the High Court
of Chennai is believed to be the second largest judicial complex in the world.
