St. Mary's Church, Fort St. George

St. Mary's Church is an Anglican church located inside Fort St. George in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Built between 1678 and 1680, it is the oldest Anglican church in India and the oldest surviving British building in the country. Known for its bombproof roof and thick walls, the church features original teak woodwork, historic memorials, and artifacts linked to the British colonial period, including associations with Robert Clive and Elihu Yale.

Visitors can expect a historic church within the Fort St. George complex with thick masonry walls, a distinctive bombproof curved roof, and a simple colonial interior. Inside are original teak wood furnishings, stained-glass windows, marble plaques and memorials, historic flags, and a small gallery of portraits and artifacts. The surroundings include the fort parade ground, Fort Museum and administrative buildings. The atmosphere is quiet and reverent, with areas for prayer and guided heritage viewing.

Constructed between 1678 and 1680 under the direction of Streynsham Master, Agent of the East India Company, and consecrated in 1680. It is the oldest Anglican church east of the Suez and the oldest British building in India. Built with thick walls and a bombproof vaulted roof to withstand siege and cannon fire. Associated with notable figures including Elihu Yale, Governor of Madras, and Robert Clive who was married here in 1753. Served as the garrison church for the British settlement at Fort St. George.

An important Anglican heritage site now under the Church of South India, representing early British colonial architecture and Christian heritage in South India. Known for its colonial-era memorials, regimental colours, and continued use for regular prayer services, reflecting the religious and cultural history of Chennai's colonial period.