St. David Fort (RUINS)

St. David Fort, now in ruins near Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu, was a significant British fort established on the Coromandel Coast about 100 miles south of Chennai. Originally built by a Hindu merchant, the fort came under Maratha control in 1677 before being purchased by the British East India Company in 1690.

The British renamed it Fort St. David in honor of the patron saint of Wales, reflecting the Welsh heritage of the then Governor of Madras, Elihu Yale. From 1746, it served as the British headquarters in southern India and saw several conflicts with the French, including captures and recaptures until the British finally secured it in 1785.

After the French threat ended, the fort was abandoned and gradually fell into ruins. The fort's historic territory extended to nearby villages, known as "cannonball villages," marked by the range of British artillery when taking possession.

Today, the ruins lie near the mouth of the Gadilam River and Silver Beach, with minimal maintenance but retain immense historical importance as a witness to colonial-era military and trading history in the region. Notable figures like Robert Clive served as its governor during its active years.