Fort Cornwallis
Fort Cornwallis is one of the most important historical landmarks in Penang. Fort Cornwallis was named after the Governor-General in Bengal, Charles Cornwallis.
It’s located close to the Esplanade, next to the Victoria Memorial Clock. It’s the exact spot where Francis Light first landed from his ship in the year 1768. The fort’s wall is about 10 feet high. It was built as a defense against the French, Kedah and also the pirates.
Inside the fort, you still can see some of the original structures like a chapel, prison cells which were once used as barracks, ammunition storage area, harbour light to signal incoming ships, some bronze canons and also a Dutch canon named Seri Rambai.
It’s said by locals that this canon bring positive effects on a woman’s fertility. Some women are said to have came here and touched the canon while praying for an offspring. If you are thinking of having a kids, probably you can drop by and give the proud canon a try.