The original fort dates back to 1696 and was built by the East India Company in the memory of King William. This structure was a two-storey building and was conquered by Nawab Siraj Ud Daulah, who named the city Alinagar. Later after the Battle of Plassey in 1757, Britishers realized that they would need a safer haven to survive any further attacks so Robert Clive ordered the construction of a second fort near Maidan.

This construction continued till 1781 and stands tall even today. The area around the premises of the fort was ordered to be cleared and the Maidan came to be called the “Lungs of Kolkata”. Today this property is governed by the Indian Army and has the provision of accommodating about 10,000 personnel. 

Built in the shape of brick and mortar, an irregular octagon acquires the central space of the fort. The fort design resembles a star so that it can withstand the firing shots of cannons and catapults. It is profoundly influenced by Georgian and Gothic architecture with several intricately arched windows and minute stonework on its brick and mortar structure.

Three sides of the edifice face river Ganga and the remaining five face the lush green Maidan. A canal has been included to strengthen the fort to serve its purpose of protection against the fighters who try to penetrate the building. Six beautiful gates namely Chowringhee, Plassey, Calcutta, WaterGate, St Georges, and the Treasury Gate provide entrance to witness this picturesque relic.

• The fort houses a vast museum exhibiting its magnificent collection of artifacts. You can even witness the cannons used in the 1971 war with Bangladesh. 
• The palatial edifice has a 9-hole golf course which can be a spot for your mini picnic as well.
• As the property houses military commanders, an arsenal is present too. But it can only be accessed with special permissions through the officers in charge.
• The Kitchener mess is now converted into an officer’s mess which is used by the army personnel.
• Sit back and relax in Maidan to embrace yourself with serenity and let the pages of history engulf you.

• You can only witness the fort from outside as the inside area is reserved for military personnel and the entry is barred for civilians and tourists. 
• No photography is allowed in the inside areas of the fort. 
• If you happen to visit the place during Vijay Diwas on 16 December, you will witness a massive retreat ceremony organized by the army which is a treat to the eyes.
• No entry fees are required but you will need prior allowance to procure access to go inside the fort premises as entry is restricted for civilians.

Summer months in Kolkata are hot and humid so it is advised to avoid the months of May-August. The best time to visit Fort William is the weather from September to March. The weather is cool and soothing. It is not too cold in Kolkata, as it is a coastal city. Therefore the autumn and winter months have been recommended to be the best ones. 

• Victoria Memorial
• Maidan
• Park Street
• Indian Museum
• Birla Planetarium
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Howrah Bridge
• Eden Gardens

• Maidan, the ground in front of the fort, is the largest park in India.
• The black hole of Calcutta is a dungeon in Fort William used by Britishers for prisoners. Today it acts as the headquarters of the eastern command of the Indian Army.
• A new trend is evolving where people are organizing grand weddings at this magnificent property.