by the aides might be the old house. There is no means of corroborating this surmise. The latest authority on the topography of Madras is Colonel Love, E.E., who says in his book, 'A List of Pictures in Government House, Madras,' that Madeiros's house was the nucleus of the present building.
Since the acquisition of the property the road has been altered. 'At that time,' says Colonel Love, 'the roads which now bound the park did not exist. The Triplicane high road ran north without deviation up to Government House bridge, and passed within fifty yards of the house that is, through the present compound. This road was, in fact, the main thoroughfare from the fort to St. Thome.'
The line followed by this old road is still distinguishable by the avenue of old trees.
Five years after the purchase the French were once more in Madras, but not in possession of the fort. Government House was invested with their troops, who pulled down the verandahs, burned the village of Chepak, and destroyed the private houses of the English in the neighbourhood. The year 1759 saw Lally defeated and his army in retreat. The house was restored in 1762 and occupied, but it did not assume its present proportions until the beginning of the nineteenth century, when Lord Clive was Governor. In addition to the extensive alterations, the present banqueting hall was built. In 1860 a third storey was added, and the park enlarged by adding a part of the garden that had belonged to the Nabob of the Carnatic.
The bridge over the Cooum near Government House is one of the handsomest in Madras. The natives call it the Government bridge on account of its proximity to the Governor's residence. It bears this inscription : 1 St. George's bridge : erected under the orders of
