Bengaluru's 'Bangalore' has many towns - Richmond Town, Benson Town, Cox Town, Fraser Town – richly imbued with the history and heritage of its English past. This interesting walk invites you to admire the architecture of the ancient cathedrals, the monkey tops and the trellises of tiled tall, roofed bungalows – colourful reminders of a lifestyle far more relaxed than the modern world. Yet one must remember that The Towns of Bangalore, beyond their English heritage, were also a mix of diverse cultures and communities, bound by businesses and trade.
English side of BangaloreCentury-old buildingsChurches, short eats at an iconic eatery
Walk beside us as we usher you down memory lane as we explore the city’s Anglican-era documented in the streets of Cleveland Town, Fraser Town and Richards Town in an area called 'Bangalore East’.Fraser Town opens up a world of gastronomic delights and architectural gems. The old neighbourhood of Mootoocherry evolved over time into what we now call Fraser Town, on the outskirts of the Cantonment Cleveland Town named after General John Wheeler Cleveland. St John’s Church is a landmark Anglican Church here and has a red facade and a towering spire. Of interest here is the pipe organ which is probably amongst the oldest and rarest in India. Its beginning was as a small chapel and school in Fraser town. The present church was consecrated in April 1858.
Of interest too is St Francis Xaviers Cathedral and Wesley English Church. St. Mark’s Cathedral is over two centuries old and much loved for its stained glass windows; it’s also the oldest Anglican Church in town. Cole's Park, renamed 'Freedom Fighters Park' is situated to the west of St. John's Hill, and had a bandstand with residents enjoying some leisurely moments in these green spaces; it had three tennis courts, and one of these was used by the Y.W.C.A. Club. There are still a few vintage houses to be found at Nutharpanrady, near Frazer Town.