William Fort

William Fort, locally known as Chettuva Fort, is a historic military installation situated in Chettuva within the Thrissur District of Kerala, India. Constructed in 1714 by the Dutch East India Company with permission from the Kingdom of Cochin, the structure was originally built using stone. Its strategic location made it a focal point of colonial and regional conflict, leading to a turbulent history where control shifted repeatedly among the Portuguese Empire, the Dutch, the British East India Company, the Zamorin of Calicut, and the Kingdom of Mysore. The fort notably changed hands multiple times during various military campaigns before being partially demolished by Tipu Sultan, who had previously captured it from the Zamorin and briefly renamed it after himself.

Today, the fort exists in a dilapidated condition, with only ruins remaining of the once-significant structure. Despite its partial destruction, the site holds considerable historical value as a testament to the complex power struggles that defined the Malabar region during the 18th century. Recognizing its cultural importance, the Government of Kerala currently owns the property and has opened the grounds to the public. In an effort to preserve this archaeological asset, the State Archeological Department initiated a conservation drive in 2010. While the building is no longer intact, it stands as a protected monument and a key tourist attraction for visitors interested in the colonial history and architectural heritage of Thrissur district.