Fort William (Kolkata) FAQs In 2026 - 2027

Fort William is a colonial-era fort built by the British in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), West Bengal, India. It was constructed in 1781 and named after King William III of England. The fort is situated on the eastern banks of the Hooghly River and is a prominent example of British military architecture in India.

Access to Fort William is restricted as it currently serves as the headquarters of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army. Visitors may need special permission to enter the fort premises, and tourism is usually limited compared to other historical sites in Kolkata. However, the fort's exterior and adjacent Maidan, a large urban park, are popular areas for tourists to visit and enjoy.

Fort William holds significant historical importance as it was one of the key power centers during British rule in India. The earlier version of the fort witnessed the infamous Black Hole of Calcutta incident in 1756, which later led to the construction of the current fort structure. It stands as a symbol of Kolkata's colonial past and military history.