The Kenilworth Fort, also known as Brett's Castle, near Hosur, Tamil Nadu, is an architectural gem with deep historical significance but is currently in urgent need of conservation. Built between 1859 and 1862 by Brett, the then Collector of Salem, the castle is modeled after Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire, England, and was intended as a tribute to Brett's Scottish wife. The unique Scottish-style design makes it stand out as one of the few Indian structures that resemble an English castle.
 |
| Brets House, Hosur, TN commons.wikimedia.org |
 |
| Collector Brets House, Hosur, TN commons.wikimedia.org |
Above images: Collector of Salem, Mr. Brett's house at Hosur, Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu). Image taken by Henry Dixon in the early 1860s is from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)'s archive : India Office Series (volume 21, 'a' numbers). This view looks across the garden and along the drive towards the house, with the entrance and a porte-cochere at the right. Modelled after Kenilworth Castle, England the mediaeval castle at Hosur was built by the Collector Mr Brett ICS (1859-62) himself in honor of his rich Scottish wife. This building in the colonial time served as the divisional officer's bungalow'. It was purchased by the Government in 1875 and was known locally as The Castle.......
 |
| Hosur location map. holidaytravelreports.com |
After the fall of Tipu Sultan of Mysore in 1799 in the final battle against the English company at Srirangapatna fort (now in Karnataka state), the region, including Krishnagiri, came under British control and eventually became part of the Madras Presidency. Brett chose Hosur, which was the district headquarters at the time, for his residence, constructing this lavish castle with local craftsmanship. Unfortunately, controversy arose when the East India Company questioned Brett's ability to fund -roughly more than Rs.150000 such a grand structure on his salary, leading to his forced resignation. Tragically, his wife passed away, and her remains were buried at St. John's Church in Bangalore.
The castle has since fallen into disrepair, aggravated by poor government maintenance negligence and vandalism. Despite its historical and architectural value, the structure remains in a dilapidated state, with no serious restoration efforts currently underway. There are reports that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) might have plans for its protection, but as of now, the monument stands as a neglected remnant of colonial history.
As of today to conserve this piece of colonial heritage, no efforts are made toward preserving its legacy, but there seems to be little progress in sight.
https://www.navrangindia.in/2021/08/the-brett-castle-in-hosur-tamil-nadu.html
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rear_view_of_Mr_Brett%27s_house_at_Hosor,_near_Bangalore.jpg
.jpg)
.jpg)
