St. George Fort is situated in the coastal city of Chennai, India. Historically the St. George Fort was called White Town and is the preliminary British fortress to be built in India. Following the construction of the fortress in 1639 the once previous no man’s land in the surrounding area became a bustling center for trading and further settlement.
Since 1600 the British East India Company had started licensed trading at Surat, its original outpost. Yet due to commercial interest and the desire for more secure trading lines in the spice trade, the need for a port near the Malaccan Straits was understood. Hence, the coastal land Channapatnam (Madraspattinam) was purchased from the Vijayanagar chieftain Chenappa Nayaka of Chandragiri. The fort was constructed at this location and was completed on April 23rd, which is St. George’s Day (the patron saint of England) and hence the fort was named St. George’s Fort.
After the fort was built and the ensuing settlements were constructed, giving rise to a new settlement area called George Town. George Town was historically called Black Town, which later grew and engulfed the surrounding villages to finally form the city of Madras.
The fort consists of six-meter high walls and has seen numerous assaults since the eighteenth century. At the Fort Museum, visitors are able to see the Raj relics, which include portraits of the former Governors.
Chennai is the modest power house of India, rich in culture and heritage similar to its other counterpart Indian states and cities. When in Chennai make sure to stay at a Chennai serviced apartment. Some of the most beautiful Chennai serviced apartments catering to the needs of the discerning traveler can be found at Somerset Gateways.