Francis Light | |
|---|---|
 A statue dedicated to Light at Fort Cornwallis in George Town, Penang | |
| Born | c. 1740 |
| Died | 21 October 1794 (aged 53–54)[1] |
| Occupation(s) | Naval officer, explorer |
| Known for | Founding Penang and George Town |
| Children | William Light |
Francis Light (c. 1740 – 21 October 1794) was a British Royal Navy officer and explorer best known for founding the colony of Penang and its capital city of George Town in 1786. Light was the father of William Light, who founded the city of Adelaide in South Australia in 1836.