3-021-044 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Arch in the Old Fort, Calcutta, 1869. Engraving from a photograph by Mr. Baker. 'The Old Fort, on the site now partly occupied by the custom-house, was founded by Lord Clive, after the battle of Plassy, in 1757, and was named after William III. It adjoined the infamous Black Hole or dungeon, where 146 Englishmen were confined many hours, and 123 of them stifled to death, by order of the Nabob, Surajah Dowlah, in June, 1756. The Black Hole itself disappeared about fifty years ago...Antiquaries have still, however, an opportunity of examining a portion of the Old Fort, which architecturally corresponds with the Black Hole...' From "Illustrated London News", 1869.