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.