The first English factory to be fortified was Madras (now known as Chennai), located on the Coromandel Coast of India.

Madras as a Trading Port:
- In 1639, the English East India Company established a trading post in Madras with the permission of the local Nayak rulers.
- Madras soon became an important trading port for cotton, silk, spices, and precious stones.
- The English also established a mint in Madras to mint their own coins for trade.

Need for Fortification:
- As the English trading operations grew, they faced increasing competition and hostility from other European powers such as the Dutch and the French, as well as from local rulers.
- In 1645, the Dutch attacked and captured Madras, causing significant damage to the English factory.
- After this incident, the English realized the need for fortifying their trading post to protect their interests.

Fortification of Madras:
- In 1649, the English began fortifying the Madras factory with walls and bastions.
- The fortification was completed in 1653, making it the first English factory to be fortified in India.
- The fortification included a moat, a drawbridge, and several gates to control entry and exit.
- The walls were made of brick and stone and were about 20 feet high and 6 feet thick.
- The fortification allowed the English to protect their trading interests and also served as a military base for their operations in South India.

Conclusion:
The fortification of Madras was a significant event in the history of English trade in India. It marked a shift from purely commercial interests to military and political interests, as the English sought to protect their trading posts and expand their influence in the region.