Two more historical cannons unearthed in Penang
Published on: Monday, January 06, 2020
GEORGE TOWN: The recent discovery of two more historical cannons along the Esplanade, not far from Fort Cornwallis, could lead to more of such artefacts being unearthed at the site, says the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.
Its Secretary-General Datuk Dr Noor Zari Hamat said archaeologists believed more artefacts could be found in the area.
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“The latest discovery of the cannons is an important event in Penang history, ” Noor Zari said after the two cannons were unearthed during the reconstruction and upgrading work on the seawall along the Esplanade, near the City Hall building.
The Bloomfeld cannons weigh about three tonnes each, and measure about 3.6m in length.
They were the fifth and sixth cannons to be discovered on Dec 9 and 27 respectively since restoration work began in the vicinity in 2017.
They were also the largest found to date, compared with four others, with two each unearthed at the west side of the fort on Feb 19,2018, and at the south of the fort on Dec 24,2018.
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Noor Zari said the origins of the cannons were still unknown, adding that it could only be identified once the completion of restoration and cleaning work carried out by National Heritage Department and Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Centre for Global Archaeological Research.
He said initial findings showed there was an inscription “1757” on the cannons, signalling the artefacts could be from circa 18th century.
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“If the marker is right, then it could be even older than the time when Sir Francis Light founded the settlement on the island in 1786.
“But we have to wait until the restoration work is completed, ” he said.
The first two cannons have been fully restored and being exhibited at Fort Cornwallis, while another two are still being restored and will be placed within the vicinity.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was also present, said the latest discovery would be a significant attraction for tourists.
“It is something very exciting that we have witnessed over the past few years.
“We will continue with our efforts in the conservation and restoration of our state and national heritage, including those in the Fort Cornwallis, ” said Chow, adding that the relevant agencies should scan the area for more of such artefacts using the latest technology.
“It is not that we should dig the whole area, but if we can scan the area, it will be better for our own historical record, ” he said.
The state government has allocated RM4mil for the excavation and restoration of Fort Cornwallis since 2017.
Fort Cornwallis was named after the then Governor-General of Bengal, Charles Cornwallis.
The fort began as a palisade of palm tree trunks when Capt Francis Light took possession of Penang island from Kedah in 1786.
During Col R.T. Farquhar’s term as Governor of Penang, the fort was rebuilt into what it is now by Indian convict labourers and completed in 1810.
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