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| Fort William |
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History
Fort William stands majestically on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River. History tells us that there were two Fort Williams – the old and the new. The original fort built in 1696 consisted of a two storied building and the guard room of this building was the site of the Black Hole of Calcutta.
After the battle of Plassey, the British became aware of their vulnerability and decided to reinforce the Fort and Sir Robert Clive initiated the building the new fort which was completed in 1780. This splendid fort faces the River Ganga from three sides of its octagonal shape. The other five sides of the fort face the huge and lush green maidan. There fort is surrounded by a moat that could be filled with water as and when required.
In 1928, St. Peter Church was constructed inside the fort. Today fort, which has been taken over by the Indian Army is well equipped with swimming pool, boxing stadium, firing range and other necessities. The Fort also has a provision to accommodate ten thousand interns and has a huge archway, popularly known as “Plassey Gate”. There are six gates which are entry points inside the fort namely Chowringhee, Plassey Calcutta, Water Gate St Georges and the Treasury Gate.
Today the fort is the property of Indian Army and headquarters of eastern command is based inside the Fort St. William and has a formidable Arsenal inside. Of course to visit the Arsenal, prior permission of the Commanding Officer is required.
Visit Fort William and take a peak into the history of India when it was ruled by the British Empire.
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Best time to visit
Winter is the best season to visit Fort William.
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Trivia
The Fort William was named after King William III and was first established in 1696. It was rebuilt by Robert Clive to resist the enemy and protect the British Empire.
It is believed that this is the present fort is the only one in the entire world where not a single bullet or cannon ball has been fired.
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Timing
Fort William is opened from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.
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Travel Tools
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