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The Fort William stands solemnly on the Western bank of The Ganga.
It stretches from the Western flank of the Red Road.
The Battle of Plassey ended in June, 1757. Robert Clive was deeply
worried about the British destiny and what lay in store for Calcutta
because the erstwhile fragile fort was easily captured by
Siraj-ud-daula.
Consequently, Clive decided to build a formidable fort to resist
enemy onslaughts effectively.
On account of their victory in the Battle of Plassey, the British
received a whopping 75,00,000 silver coins. After a few days, they
received another 4000,000 coins. With this money, started
the mammoth task of building the fort. Previously this place was
a hamlet named Gobindapur. The local people were evicted from
this place after paying a nominal compensation money. The 'Thakur' family had
meanwhile abandoned Gobindapur and came to stay at Sutanuti.
The construction of the fort was rounded off in 1781. This was
renamed Fort William after the erstwhile fort of the same name.
The fort was octagonal with three sides facing the river Ganga.
Five other sides were towards the Maidan. Ditches surrounded the
fort which covered 2½ square miles. They could be filled with
river water as and when required. Inside the Fort is the St.
Peter's
Church which was constructed in 1928. Swimming pool, Boxing stadium,
Firing Range and other necessary arrangements are present within
the Fort. There is also a provision for ten thousand interns of the Fort. The Fort has
huge archways, one of which is known
as 'Plassey Gate'. It is said that this is the only Fort in the
world from where not a single bullet or cannon-ball has ever been
shot.
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