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.
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