The fort was originally constructed during the colonial period by Sir Francis Light of the British East India Company. Upon taking over the tiny island of Penang belonging to Malaysia, this fortress was to protect the harbour from any possible French invasion. However, the star shaped garrison was never used as a battlefield, and later became more of an administrative centre.

Though it was first built using palm trunks, it was rebuilt with bricks and mortar using the labour of Indian convicts and was titled ‘Cornwallis', in recognition of the Governor General of Bengal, Charles M Cornwallis. It was replete with cannons, artillery, gun powder, barracks, a turret and even a chapel where an actual matrimonial ceremony took place during the colonial era.

After being designated as a site of historical importance in the 1970s, the fort has been among the top tourist attractions of Penang. Today, the crowds that pour in through the new ornamental gateways of the fort find an observation tower and a statue of Sir Francis Light, which was added later,. The store house that guarded the ammunition, the light house that communicated with ships, the chapel and the barracks of the officers remain as they were, while the cell built for prisoners has been converted to a gallery which holds historical facts of the fort.

The renowned Sri Rambai cannon is also on display and is believed by the locals to have miraculous powers and is worshipped by childless mothers. Models of old British canopies are seen in the gardens of the fort along with an open air theatre that stages local dance and music concerts regularly. One will also find handicraft and souvenir shops to pick a small memento to take home.

This is just one of the sights worth seeing in Penang's capital of George Town. Revel in the comfort of a Penang beach resort and learn about the colonial times. The luxury hotels Penang are definitely a cut above the rest, among which Shangri–La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa Penang deserves a special mention.