Trove of cannonballs discovered at a colonial fort

Nine cannonballs were uncovered in the same trench at Fort Cornwallis,  George Town, Penang, Malaysia,  where two centuries-old two cannons were found earlier.

Students showing the nine cannonballs excavated at the site (by The Star Online)

One of the nine cannonballs is said to measure about 10 cm in diameter while the others, which resemble canister shots, measure between 3 cm and 6 cm in diameter. Although the cannonballs are not for the cannons as the sizes are comparatively smaller, the possibility the cannonballs could be from the same period is still valid – according to the researchers. The two cannons discovered earlier in the same trench  are expected to be at least two centuries old as they have the emblem of King George III, who reigned from 1760 to 1820. The fort was built by the British East India Company in the late eighteenth century. Latest discoveries might change the history of Fort Cornwallis which has always been assumed to be a peaceful city.

Overview of the excavation site (by The Star Online)

(after The Star Online & New Straits Times)

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