TWO cannons, weighing about 3,000kg each, have been discovered during the upgrading works of the sea wall at the Esplanade.
The 3m to 3.6m-long cannons were found buried some 3m below ground level on Dec 9 and 27 respectively.
It was reported that the entire RM30 million north seafront project, which encompasses the restoration and the upgrading works of the sea wall, Fort Cornwallis, Light Street and Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, is scheduled to complete in 2022.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the two cannons were believed to be the largest cannons found in the vicinity of Fort Cornwallis since the start of its restoration works.
“The two cannons, believed to be constructed in the 18th century, will be handed over to the Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Centre for Global Archaeological Research for them to be conserved and restored.
“The Penang government is allocating RM80,000 for the conservation and restoration of the two cannons,” he said.
Three cannons and a mortar had earlier been discovered in the vicinity of Fort Cornwallis.
Two cannons were found on Feb 19, 2018; while a cannon and a mortar were discovered during an archaeological excavation on Dec 24, 2018. The artefacts measured between 2m and 2.35m-long.
Chow said that the conservation of the Fort Cornwallis was part of the north seafront project, following the George Town Special Area Plan.
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) secretary-general Datuk Dr Noor Zari Hamat said an indistinct ‘17….’ mark could be seen stamped on one of the cannons.
National Heritage Department heritage commissioner Mesran Mohd Yusop said the department would work with USM to conserve and preserve the cannons.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad