Stamford Raffles's career and contributions to Singapore | Infopedia Stamford Raffles's career and contributions to Singapore ~ Recommendations ~ Gambling activities in colonial Singapore attracted different opinions from the colonial administrators; Raffles abhorred ... ~ Related Pictures ~ Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles (b. 6 July 1781, off Port Morant, Jamaica–d. 5 July 1826, Middlesex, England)1 is famously known as the founder of modern Singapore. Besides signing the treaty with Sultan Hussein Shah of Johor on 6 February 1819 that gave the British East India Company the right to set up a trading post in Singapore, Raffles made several other contributions that helped establish Singapore as a thriving settlement. Contributions Founding of Singapore In December 1818, Raffles left Calcutta in search of a new British settlement to replace Malacca. Malacca was one of the many British territories returned to the Dutch under the Treaty of Vienna. Raffles had foreseen that without a strategic British trading post located within the Straits , the Dutch could gain control of Straits trade.2 Raffles arrived in Singapore on board the Indiana on 29 January 1819.

Accompanied by William Farquhar and a sepoy , he met Temenggong Abdul Rahman to negotiate for a British trading post to be established on the island. On 6 February 1819, Raffles signed an official treaty with Sultan Hussein and the temenggong and on this day, the Union Jack was officially hoisted in Singapore.3 Raffles Town Plan (Jackson Plan) Raffles conceived a town plan to remodel Singapore into a modern city. The plan comprised the formation of separate clusters to house the different ethnic groups, and the provision of facilities such as roads, schools and land for government buildings.4 In October 1822, a Town Committee was formed by Raffles to oversee the project. This committee comprised Captain Charles Edward Davis of the Bengal Native Infantry as president, civil servant George Bonham and merchant A. L. Johnston.5 Lieutenant Philip Jackson was tasked to draw up the plan according to Raffles’s instructions, and the resultant plan was published in 1828.6 Free port Raffles devised a set of policies and regulations that outlined the objectives of Singapore’s harbour, helping to establish the settlement as a free port.

Singapore was chosen, by virtue of its strategic geographical location, to compete with other ports under the control of the Dutch.7 Law and order Raffles instituted the administration of justice to ensure peace and order in the thriving settlement. He founded the Resident Court, appointed magistrates, and implemented trial by jury. In addition, he instituted the abolishment of activities such as public gambling, slavery and cock-fighting.8 Singapore Institution Shortly after the establishment of a British settlement in Singapore, one of Raffles’s immediate concerns was the formation of an institution of higher learning to educate the sons of the Malay chiefs; to teach the native languages to officers of the East India Company; and to collect the literature on the traditions, and laws and customs of the country.9 A site along a stretch of road, now known as Bras Basah Road , was chosen for this purpose.10 Raffles laid the foundation stone of this institution on 5 June 1823.

The building was completed only in 1837, and was occupied by the Singapore Free School which operated as the Singapore Institution Free School.11 In 1856, the Singapore Institution Free School was renamed Singapore Institution.12 In the school’s annual report for 1868, the school was referred to as Raffles Institution .13 The Singapore Library (now known as the National Library ) was established within the Singapore Institution building on 22 January 1845.14 The first bridge In 1822, Raffles assigned Lieutenant Philip Jackson to build a bridge across the Singapore River . The bridge, called Presentment Bridge, was also known as Jackson’s bridge, and extended across the Singapore River until 1842. Jackson’s bridge was eventually demolished and replaced in 1844 with another bridge called Thomson’s Bridge, which was used as a foot bridge until 1846.15 Career highlights16 1795: Gains employment as a clerk at the British East India Company. 8 Mar 1805: Becomes assistant secretary to Philip Dundas, the governor of Penang.

Oct 1810: Is appointed by Lord Minto, the governor-general of India (1807–1813), as agent to the governor-general of the Malay States. Sep 1811: Is appointed lieutenant-governor of Java. May 1817: Receives knighthood from the Prince Regent, King George IV. 6 Feb 1819: Signs a treaty with Sultan Hussein Shah and Temenggong Abdul Rahman, establishing Singapore as a British settlement. Jun 1823: Founds the Singapore Institution. Apr 1826: Is elected president of the Zoological Society. Author Heirwin Mohd Nasir References 1. Boulger, D. C. (1999). The life of Sir Stamford Raffles . Amsterdam: Pepin Press, pp. 2, 387. (Call no.: RSING 959.57021092 BOU)-[His] 2. Makepeace, W., Brooke, G. E., & Braddell, R., St. J. (Eds.). (1991). One hundred years of Singapore .

Singapore: Oxford University Press, pp. 6–7. (Call no.: RSING 959.57 ONE-[HIS]) 3. Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles: Book of days . (1993). Singapore: Antiques of the Orient, pp. 67, 71. (Call no.: RSING 959.57021092 SIR-[HIS]) 4. Buckley, C. B. (1984). An anecdotal history of old times in Singapore . Singapore: Oxford University Press, pp. 79–87. (Call no.: RSING 959.57 BUC-[HIS]) 5. Moore, D., & Moore, J. (1969). The first 150 years of Singapore . Singapore: Donald Moore Press, p. 82. (Call no.: RSING 959.57 MOO-[HIS]); Buckley, C. B. (1984). An anecdotal history of old times in Singapore . Singapore: Oxford University Press, pp. 74–75, 81.

(Call no.: RSING 959.57 BUC-[HIS]) 6. Pearson, H. F. (1969, July). Lt Jackson’s plan of Singapore. Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, 42(1) (215), 161–165. Retrieved from JSTOR via NLB’s eResources website: 7. Boulger, D. C. (1999). The life of Sir Stamford Raffles . Amsterdam: Pepin Press, pp. 308–310, 333. (Call no.: RSING 959.57021092 BOU-[IS]) 8. Makepeace, W., Brooke, G. E., & Braddell, R. St. J. (Eds.). (1991). One hundred years of Singapore . Singapore: Oxford University Press, pp. 59, 76, 162–163. (Call no.: RSING 959.57 ONE-[HIS]) 9. Buckley, C. B.

(1984). An anecdotal history of old times in Singapore 1819–1867 . Singapore: Oxford University Press, p. 122. (Call no.: RSING 959.57 BUC-[HIS]) 10. Glendinning, V. (2012). Raffles and the golden opportunity 1781–1826 . London: Profile Books Ltd, pp. 250, 252. (Call no.: RSING 959.57021092 GLE-[HIS]) 11. Moore, D., & Moore, J. (1969). The first 150 years of Singapore . Singapore: Donald Moore Press, p. 97. (Call no.: RSING 959.57 MOO-[HIS]); Singapore Institution Free School. (1862). Report (Singapore Institution Free School), 1834–62 . Singapore: Mission Press, p. 3. Retrieved from BookSG. 12. Doraisamy, T. R. (Ed). (1969).

150 years of education in Singapore . Singapore: Teachers’ Training College Publications Board, p. 22. (Call no.: RSING 370.95957 TEA) 13. Buckley, C. B. (1984). An anecdotal history of old times in Singapore 1819–1867 . Singapore: Oxford University Press, p. 139. (Call no.: RSING 959.57 BUC-[HIS]) 14. Makepeace, W., Brooke, G. E., & Braddell, R. St. J. (Eds.). (1991). One hundred years of Singapore . Singapore: Oxford University Press, pp. 526, 528. (Call no.: RSING 959.57 ONE-[HIS]) 15. Savage, V. R., & Yeoh, B. S. A. (2013). Singapore street names: A study of toponymics . Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions, pp. 116, 304.

(Call no.: RSING 915.9570014 SAV-[TRA]) 16. Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles: Book of days . (1993). Singapore: Antiques of the Orient, pp. 6–7. (Call no.: RSING 959.57021092 SIR) Further resources Loh, A. (Ed.). (1997). Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles: A comprehensive bibliography . Singapore: Singapore Resource Library, National Library Board. (Call no.: RSING 016.95957 SIR) Raffles, S. (1991). Memoir of the life and public services of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles/Lady Sophia Raffles . Singapore: Oxford University Press. (Call no.: RSING 959.57021092 RAF-[HIS]) The information in this article is valid as at 2014 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.

February 6 1819 - Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles founds Singapore - On this day in History Things to do in Los Angeles February 6 1819 - Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles founds Singapore On February 6, 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles signed a treaty with the Sultan of Johor that allowed the British to set up a trading port in Singapore laying the foundation of the modern island nation. Currently, Singapore is one of the most important tourist destinations in Asia and is a growing center for fashion, media, industry, and finance. The earliest mentions of Singapore are found in ancient Chinese historical records from the third century, though its origins are still unclear. At the time the settlement was known as “Pu-luo-chung” roughly translated as the 'island at the end of (the Malay) peninsula'. By the thirteenth century a settlement called Temasek grew in the region that now forms the city of Singapore. The name was attributed to its location as an island town. According to a 14th century legend, the Prince of Srivijaya, Sang Nila Utama, went out hunting from his capital in Palembang.

He went on to establish a city at the location where he hunted and killed a lion – a sign of good luck for a ruler. He called the city Simha (Lion) Pura (City) or the Lion City. The city grew into a trading port as the ships sailing in from China, India, Arabia, and Portugal stopped over here. In 1509, the Portuguese arrived at Malacca. By the 16th century, the colonial powers of Europe had started to make their presence felt in the Malay Archipelago and the Dutch started to dominate the archipelago and trade in the region. In an attempt to stage a foothold in the region, the British started looking for a trading center here that they could control. Singapore seemed very promising. Not only was it located on the India-China trade route, an important channel for British trade, and would challenge Dutch trade prospects in the region. After much research, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the Lieutenant-Governor of Bencoolen (Bengkulu) in Sumatra managed to convince the governor-general of India, Lord Hastings, to sponsor an expedition to the region.

It came as quite a disappointment to Sir Raffles that most of the islands in the region were unsuitable as harbors and the one which were satisfactory ports were already occupied by the British. After much exploration, he came across Singapore – an excellent natural harbor that was rich in all natural resources including fresh water, food, and timber. It was also free from Dutch dominion. Sir Raffles and his expedition party landed in Singapore on January 29, 1819. At the time, the Malay settlement at the opening of the Singapore Straits was headed by a Governor (locally referred to as the Temenggong) for the Sultan of Johor. The region was considered to be the territory of the Sultan of Johor, but the political environment at the time was quite unstable. Tengku Abdul Rahman, the de facto Sultan of Johor had gained control after the exile of his older brother, Tengku Hussein (Tengku Long) in the Riau Islands. The Temenggong helped the British bring Tengku Hussein back to Singapore.

Raffles offered to reinstate Hussein as the lawful Sultan of Johor on the condition that he would permit the British East India Company to establish a trading post on the island of Singapore. The agreement between Sir Raffles and Tengku Hussein was formalized by way of a treaty on February 6, 1819. Modern Singapore was thus established. At the time of signing the treaty, Singapore had only about 150 residents. Within the next couple of decades the city grew in both might and prestige and by 1832 it became the administrative center for the settlements of Malacca, Penang, and Singapore. By 1860, the city was a thriving trading port and had a population of over 80,972 residents comprising Malays, Chinese, and Indians. Singapore's boom was suddenly arrested by a Japanese invasion in 1941-42. For nearly the next four years, Singapore remained under Japanese occupation and maritime trade suffered greatly. Following World War II, the territory of Singapore was handed to the British forces and in April 1946, it was declared a British Crown Colony.

By 1959, the growth of nationalism in the nation and the need for independence was strongly felt. The country elected its leaders and embarked on self-governance but by 1961, a referendum showed that the people were in favor of a merger with Malaysia. The union was, however, soon to fail and Singapore separated once more on August 9, 1965. Currently over 5 million people live in Singapore and the island nation is one of the best-loved and growing destinations in Asia. You may also like : A History of Singapore A BRIEF HISTORY OF SINGAPORE By Tim Lambert The Foundation of Singapore According to legend Singapore was founded centuries ago when a prince from Sumatra landed on the island and saw a lion. He took it as a good omen and founded a city called Singapura, which means lion city. The legend may or may not be true. In fact the name Singapura was not recorded until the 16th century and Singapore was really only a trading post with a small population not a city. Modern Singapore was founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles (1781-1826).

Raffles became a clerk for the British East India Company in 1795. He rose rapidly in the company. In 1805 he was sent to Penang and in 1811 he was made Lieutenant Governor of Java. In 1818 Raffles was made governor of Bencoolen on the island of Sumatra. Raffles believed the British should establish a base on the Straits of Melaka and in 1819 he landed on the island of Singapore. The island consisted of swamps and jungle with a small population but Raffles realized it could be made into a useful port. At that time two men were vying to become Sultan of the Empire of Johor, which controlled Singapore. In 1812 the Sultan died and his two sons quarreled over the succession. Raffles supported the older brother Hussein and recognized him as Sultan. Raffles made a deal with him. The British East India Company was given Singapore in return for an annual payment. In 1824 the Company was given the island in return for a lump sum of money. The British established a new trading post at Singapore and it grew very rapidly.

As well as Europeans, Malays, Chinese, Indians and Arabs came to live and work there. By 1824 the population had risen to 10,000. In 1826 Singapore was joined with Melaka and Pelang to form the Straits Settlements. In 1867 Singapore became a Crown Colony ruled directly by the British government rather than the East India Company. By 1870 the population of Singapore had risen to 100,000. Many grand buildings were erected in Singapore in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Among them was the Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall, which was built in 1862. Several temples were built at that time including the Thian Hock Keng Temple, which was built in 1842. The Sri Marimman Temple was first built in 1823 but it was rebuilt in 1843. The Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple was built in 1855. The Leong San See Temple was built in 1917. The Sakaya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple was built in 1927.

When the Suez canal was built in 1869 Singapore became even more important as a 'gateway' between Europe and eastern Asia. Modern Singapore In the early 20th century Singapore continued to prosper. Huge amounts of rubber and tin from the region were exported from Singapore. Meanwhile Chinese immigrants continued to arrive. Then in January 1942 the Japanese conquered Malaysia. On 15 February 1942 Singapore was forced to surrender. The Japanese called Singapore Yonan, which means Light of the South but their rule was tyrannical. Thousands of Chinese Singaporeans were executed. However Japan surrendered in August 1945 and on 5 September 1945 the British re-occupied Singapore. However after 1945 Singapore slowly moved towards independence. In 1946 the Strait Settlements were dissolved and Singapore was separated from Malaysia. The People's Action Party was formed in 1954 and it proved to be a major force in Singaporean politics. In 1955 a new constitution was introduced. Under it 25 out of 32 members of the legislature were elected.

In 1957 it was replaced by an elected 51 member legislature. The Peoples Action Party led by Lee Kuan Yew won 43 out of 51 seats. Self government was granted in 1959. Lee Kuan Yew became prime minister. In 1963 Singapore joined with Malaysia. However the union was short lived. Singapore left in 1965 and became completely independent. From 1965 to the 1990s Singapore enjoyed rapid economic growth. By the 1990s it was an NIC (newly industrialized country) and the people had a high standard of living. However the government was authoritarian and society was strictly controlled. In 1990 Lee Kuan Yew resigned as prime minister. He was replaced by Goh Chok Tong. He introduced a more liberal regime. Today Singapore is a prosperous nation and its economy is growing steadily. Singapore is also a very busy port. Today the population of Singapore is 5.6 million.

Thomas Stamford Raffles' Founding Of Singapore Created A Gateway To Asia And China Thomas Stamford Raffles' Founding Of Singapore Created A Gateway To Asia And China By DOUG TSURUOKA , INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY Posted 03/1/2012 Raffles started his career as an East India Co. clerk in London, landed in Malaysia in 1805 and a decade later spotted the right trading place:.. View Enlarged Image In the buzz over today's Asian economic miracle, many forget that Singapore, with its vibrant tech firms, banks and stock exchange, was the brainchild of a visionary Englishman named Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles. This statesman-soldier was the architect two centuries ago of a tolerant, enlightened and multiracial approach to trade and business. His strategy tapped the money-making energies of thousands of Malays, Chinese and Indians to create a rich, dynamic city. At a time when other Europeans exploited Asia, Raffles opposed the opium and slave trades, and introduced partial self-government to the outposts under his control. The huge amounts of business capital and know-how that the bustling city-state has amassed since are in part due to his vision.

His life offers valuable lessons for those seeking to engage with China and the rest of Asia today. "You could say that without Raffles there probably wouldn't have been a modern Singapore ï¿½ certainly not in the way we now know it," Mark R. Frost, author of the award-winning book "Singapore: A Biography," told IBD. "This is still a place keenly aware of its role as an exemplar to the rest of Asia, a place where you can do business, work hard and profit from it." Born on a sailing ship off the coast of Jamaica to a Yorkshire sea captain and his wife, Raffles (1781-1826) learned from an early age to scramble his way up England's class ladder. His debt-ridden father never squeezed much from the West Indian trade, but spent what money he had in giving Raffles a boarding school education. Looking Eastward Raffles at 14 began his career as a clerk in the London office of British East India Co., the monopoly that oversaw trade in Britain's Asian colonies. An intelligent, fair-minded man with a flair for languages, Raffles rose quickly.

He had a youthful belief in working for the greater good and emerged as a focused man of remarkable willpower. In 1805 he was sent to Penang, an island trading post on the Strait of Malacca in what's now Malaysia. Soon he mastered the Malay language, a rare feat for an Englishman. His natural administrative verve, as well as his wit and charm, drew the notice of Lord Minto, the governor-general of India. Minto, overseeing Britain's Asian possessions from its stronghold in Calcutta, came to rely on Raffles' knowledge of Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, the Napoleonic Wars pitting Britain against France, raged in Europe. By 1811, France had annexed Holland and seized its colonies in Java in what's now Indonesia. Raffles used the conflict and his knowledge of Java to make a bold bid. He convinced Minto to grab the Dutch possession from the French. The British assembled 100 ships and 12,000 men and invaded Java. Raffles, sword in hand and in the thick of the fighting, was tapped as Java's lieutenant governor after the Dutch, who were French subjects at the time, surrendered.

As Raffles took charge, Minto urged him: "While we are in Java, let us do all the good we can." The Englishman took the advice to heart. He abolished slavery and got rid of commercial monopolies imposed by native rulers. Now came a system of land tenure for local farmers. A key provision entailed taking land from local despots and leasing it to farmers at moderate rentals. Only two-fifths of the resulting crops were assessed for taxes; the rest were exempt from taxes and gave the islanders their first taste of a free-trade system. Raffles tried to block the import of Indian opium into Java, though this enraged British officials and traders in Calcutta who were making a killing off the trade. He also became an avid zoologist. He cataloged birds and animals and led expeditions into Java's wild interior to study and restore ancient monuments. "One thing that particularly distinguishes Raffles ... was his clear commitment to Southeast Asia," Frost said. "He seems to have loved its cultures, its peoples and its history." Raffles' fortune dived in 1814. His wife, Olivia, died of tropical fever. The colony was racked by money woes.

And his dream of making Java part of a new trading empire fizzled when England returned Java to Holland under the Anglo-Dutch Treaty. Raffles was recalled to England in 1816 amid criticism that he had failed to make Java financially viable. This, despite the fact that the Dutch kept many of his reforms after regaining the colony. Such woes might have wrecked a lesser man. Not Raffles. He used his power of social maneuver to make a fresh start. He mesmerized folks in England with his tales of exotic locales. He wrote "History of Java," an 1817 book that detailed the origins of the island and the customs of its people. He was knighted by England's Prince Regent. He married his second wife, Sophia. Spot On Also in 1817, Raffles returned to Asia, this time as governor-general of Bencoolen, a fortress town in southern Sumatra near Malaya. He used his base at Bencoolen to scout for a strategic site along the Strait of Malacca. His goal was finding a trade hub to bolster British interests throughout the region. He soon landed the perfect spot ï¿½ the island town Singapura.

Singapura, meaning Lion City, stood at the Malay Peninsula's tip. It faced the entrance to the strait, controlling a key trade route between Asia and Europe. It had been a thriving port centuries before, but sat dormant because of war and shifting trade routes. He conferred on the town the more English-sounding name of Singapore, and it soon became a thriving fusion of East and West. Locals learned that anyone of talent and regardless of race was welcome to help build his new city. He set the tone for his new settlement on the first day, Feb. 6, 1819. The proclamation for Singapore's founding was read not just in English, but also in Malay and Chinese, an act unthinkable in other colonies that regarded European tongues and cultures as supreme. By June 1819, an influx of Chinese traders, Malays and others had swelled the population to 5,000. A year later, it had doubled to 10,000. Singapore harbor was crowded with Chinese junks and European merchant ships.

Old World Order Eager to bring order to his new domain, Raffles drafted a land registry to legalize ownership and decreed that trade in Singapore "would be open to ships and vessels of every nation free of duty, equally and alike to all." He also outlawed slavery and suppressed gambling. "Raffles' success lay in his ability to channel the racial diversity of Southeast Asia in a favorable environment that embraced rule of law and a dedication to trade and commerce," said Keith Rabin, an Asia-focused business consultant who heads New York-based KWR International. Raffles also founded a college in Singapore whose purpose was to teach Chinese, Thai and Malay alongside Western subjects. "Raffles wanted Singapore to be a place where the best of East and West mixed ï¿½ where local students would study their own languages and histories alongside Isaac Newton," Frost said. Raffles, suffering from a brain tumor that would kill him, left Singapore for good in August 1823. His personal sacrifices to finance the city ï¿½ which would separate from Malaysia and become a city-state on Aug. 9, 1965 ï¿½ had left him in debt, and four of his five children had died of tropical disease.

He died in London a day before his 45th birthday. His distaste for slavery resulted in a final irony. He was refused burial in his local parish church by a vicar whose family had been active in the West India slave trade. Singapore River : historical overview | Infopedia Singapore River : historical overview From 1825, Singapore began receiving Indian convicts from British India to serve out their sentences, and assist with ... ~ Related Pictures ~ Singapore River, river/waterway, is located within the Central Region. The 3.2 km long river has been the lifeline of Singapore for more than 150 years. Proof of its ancient beginnings may be monumented on the Singapore Stone with undecipherable inscriptions found in 1819, at the river mouth. With Singapore's strategic location and establishment as a free-port, trade and commerce developed rapidly. The economic activity filled the river-port's waterways and quays with flotilla of boats, with workmen loading and unloading goods for import or re-export in bumboats or lighters.

The river's inadequate and unsuitable berthing facilities, plus the dramatic increase of shipping led to the development and growth of the New (later Keppel) Harbour. Through the years, the river became polluted, and an environmental cleanup from 1983 cleared the waters, upgraded its banks, and gave the river "a new lease of life". History The mouth of the Singapore River saw the beginnings of an ancient fishing village, Temasek, later renamed Singapura (in Malay means "Lion City") by Sang Nila Utama, and in modern times founded by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles in 1819. The Orang Laut ("Sea-Gypsies") were the earliest known inhabitants in the area around the river mouth. In 1818 Temenggong Abdul Rahman arrived from Rhio with his followers and set up a village by the left bank of the river mouth. On that same bank one year later in 1819, he signed the historic treaty with Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. Description The most famous river in Singapore, aslo fondly known as "The River", the Singapore River spans 3.2 km from the sea to it's upper reaches in Kim Seng Road.

The Boat Quay banks in 1823 were first to have offices, wharehouses, godowns and jetties; then subsequent developments continued up-river, along the banks of Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay, and later even further upstream, near the upper reaches and theSource of the Singapore River. Immigrant Arrivals Economic activity and opportunity centred here attracted thousands of immigrants. Many of our early settlers first set foot in Singapore on the banks of this river, and many of them returned to work along the quay. Most of these people were Chinese, but there were also Indians and Malays. Some set up businesses here and or lived by or around this vibrant waterway and became Singapore River Communities. Economic Activity Singapore's free port status and strategic location attracted all types of sailing craft, especially those bound on the trade routes between India and China. The river's calm waters, ideal for trading activities, served as the harbour for the growing British Settlement.

The first quay was built in 1823 on today's Boat Quay, where major companies first set-up in Singapore, including the first European trading house founded by Alexander Laurie Johnston in 1820; and other offices and wharehouses owned by Edward Boustead, Yeo Kim Swee and Tan Kim Seng. Trade growth in the 1860s, gradually extended upstream, and by the late 1890s, there were godowns, ricemills, sawmills, Chinese-owned boat-yards, and an assortment of other trades and home industries. In the 1930s, the areas nearer the upper reaches of the river were heavily industrialised, with godowns and shophouses everywhere. River Transport The river divided Singapore into the 'commercial' and 'government' sectors, and before the construction of bridges, the two sides were linked by dhonies (English spelling of Tamil word Thonee), a river-crossing Sampan (row-boat) operated by Indians. Propelled by oars, these small wooden boats were also outboard-motor driven and carried goods or passengers, or hawked snacks and sundry items.

The much larger bumboats or lighters ferried goods for import and re-export. The "River Clean-up Campaign", which began in September 1983, saw the last of a few hundred lighters and small boats on their final journey out of the river. Today, converted bumboats operate as river-taxis which carry sightseeing passengers, with pickup and disembarkation points along Boat Quay and Clake Quay. Today After the "Clean-up Rivers Campaign" in the 1980s, the stone-walled banks were repaired, some new buildings including hotels have sprung up, and the old-time riverine and quayside businesses have given way to exciting recreational activities such as al fresco dining, "live music" entertainment, disco-dancing and more. The river is now venue to many public events, and activities staged here include the Lunar New Year "River Hong Bao '92", Annual Duck Race, fishing competitions, and many more. The Singapore River is a story about change, of how a river contributed to the success of Singapore. In modern times, this legendary river will still be remembered for its old charm and its great importance in the history of Singapore.

Key Features Nine bridges cross the river, namely Esplanade Bridge, Anderson Bridge, Cavenagh Bridge, Elgin Bridge,Coleman Bridge, Read Bridge, Ord Bridge, Clemenceau Bridge, and Kim Seng Bridge. Merlion Park - Singapore's Tourism symbol, The Merlion, is situated here. Monument commemorating the landing site of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. Dahousie Obelisk - monument commemorating Lord Marquis Dalhousie's 1850 visit to Singapore. Boat Quay - today a vibrant dining and entertainment venue. Clarke Quay - a stretch of godowns and wharehouses converted for recreation and entertainment. Robertson Quay - further up-river also lined with godowns and wharehouses. Parliament House, with the original Court House built in 1827. Riverside Point & Riverside Village - the river's latest recreation location. Author Vernon Cornelius-Takahama References Buckley, C. B. (1984). An anecdotal history of old times in Singapore: 1819-1867 (pp.

29, 30, 74, 145, 427, 452, 504). Singapore: Oxford University Press. (Call no.: RSING 959.57 BUC) Hon, J. (1990). Tidal fortunes: a story of change: the Singapore River and Kallang Basin (pp. 9-13, 18, 21, 26, 77, 89, 103, 106, 119, 123, 129, 134, 135, 140, 141, 144, 150, 151). Singapore: Landmark Books. (Call no.: RSING 959.57 HON) Miksic, J. N. (1984). Archaeological research on the "Forbidden Hill" of Singapore: excavations at Fort Canning (pp. 13, 34). Singapore: National Museum. (Call no.: RSING 959.57 MIK) Oral History Department.

(1986). Singapore lifeline: The river and its people (pp. 18-20, 25, 34-35, 42-44, 50, 81). Singapore: Times Books International. (Call no.: RSING 779.995957 SIN) Port of Singapore Authority. (1984). Singapore: portrait of a port: A pictorial history of the port and harbour of Singapore 1819-1984 (pp. 9, 11). Singapore: MPH Magazines. (Call no.: RSING 779.93871095957 SIN) Song, O. S. (1984). One hundred years' history of the Chinese in Singapore (p. 8). Singapore: Oxford University Press. (Call no.: RSING 959.57 SON) Tan Sri Dato Mubin Sheppard. (Ed.). (1982). Singapore 150 years (pp. 38-40, 98, 118-123, 145, 146).

Singapore: Times Books International. (Call no.: RSING 959.57 SIN) Turnbull, C. M. (1989). A History of Singapore: 1819-1988 (pp. 1, 2, 5, 8, 20, 37, 45, 47, 58, 59, 302, 304, 324). Singapore: Oxford University Press. (Call no.: RSING 959.57 TUR) Urban Redevelopment Authority (Singapore). (1994). Singapore River planning area: Planning report (p. 7). Singapore: Urban Redevelopment Authority. (Call no.: RSING 711.4095957 SIN) Further Readings Berry, L. (1982). Singapore River: A living legacy (pp. 43, 49, 50, 75, 77-81). Singapore: Eastern Universities Press. (Call no.: SING 959.57 BER) Jayapal, M. (1992). Old Singapore (pp. 31).

Singapore: Oxford. (Call no.: SING 959.57 JAY) On a bum-boat trip in Singapore. (1978). Goodwood Journal , 3rd Quarter, 11, 13. The information in this article is valid as at 2001 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic. Subject About Singapore - YourSingapore About Singapore Create your own Singapore guide with up to 12 of your Favourites. Step 1 As you browse through our site, add pages to your Favourites by clicking on the star button within every article. Step 2 To access and edit all your Favourites, click on the star button at the top right corner of every page throughout our site. About Singapore About Singapore The story of Singapore is rich with twists, turns and triumphs. Here is a quick primer on our history through the centuries. An exhibit of Singapore's early settlers. Photo by Singapore Tourist Promotion Board, from National Archives of Singapore Visit a museum and take a peek at the history of Singapore.

Singapore as a trading hub in the 19th century. Photo by National Archives of Singapore Modern Singapore was founded by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, who prized the city's strategic location. View of Singapore's skyline Get to know how far Singapore has come through the city's colourful past. A long, long time ago… A long time ago, Singapore was once known as Sea Town. While the earliest known historical records of Singapore are shrouded in time, a third century Chinese account describes it as "Pu-luo-chung", or the "island at the end of a peninsula". Later, the city was known as Temasek ("Sea Town"), when the first settlements were established from AD 1298-1299. During the 14th century, this small but strategically-located island earned a new name. According to legend, Sang Nila Utama, a Prince from Palembang (the capital of Srivijaya), was out on a hunting trip when he caught sight of an animal he had never seen before.

Taking it to be a good sign, he founded a city where the animal had been spotted, naming it “The Lion City” or Singapura, from the Sanskrit words “simha” (lion) and “pura” (city). The city was then ruled by the five kings of ancient Singapura. Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, the natural meeting point of sea routes, the city flourished as a trading post for vessels such as Chinese junks, Arab dhows, Portuguese battleships, and Buginese schooners. Related Stories Faces of Singapore Here’s a guide to Singapore’s diverse melting pot of cultures and races. It’s a vibrant brew that gives the country its unique character. Our Way of Life Take a quick look at Singapore’s past and get to know our history, culture and people a little better. The Raffles Effect The city's strategic location made it an ideal trading hub. Modern Singapore was founded in the 19th century, thanks to politics, trade and a man known as Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles . During this time, the British empire was eyeing a port of call in this region to base its merchant fleet, and to forestall any advance made by the Dutch.

Singapore, already an up-and-coming trading post along the Malacca Straits, seemed ideal. Raffles, then the Lieutenant-Governor of Bencoolen (now Bengkulu) in Sumatra, landed in Singapore on 29 January 1819. Recognising the immense potential of the swamp-covered island, he helped negotiate a treaty with the local rulers and established Singapore as a trading station. The city quickly grew as an entrepot trade hub, attracting immigrants from China, India, the Malay Archipelago and beyond. In 1822, Raffles implemented the Raffles Town Plan, also known as the Jackson Plan, to address the issue of growing disorderliness in the colony. Ethnic residential areas were segregated into four areas. The European Town had residents made up of European traders, Eurasians and rich Asians, while the ethnic Chinese were located in present-day Chinatown and south-east of the Singapore River . Ethnic Indians resided at Chulia Kampong north of Chinatown, and Kampong Glam consisted of Muslims, ethnic Malays and Arabs who had migrated to Singapore. Singapore continued to develop as a trading post, with the establishment of several key banks, commercial associations and Chambers of Commerce.

In 1924, a causeway opened linking the northern part of Singapore to Johor Bahru. Did you know? Singapore’s first architect George D. Coleman arrived in Singapore in 1822, and his earliest project was the Residency House for Sir Stamford Raffles. He also created many Palladian-style houses. War and Peace Allied forces surrendering in 1942. Singapore’s prosperity suffered a major blow during World War II, when it was attacked by the Japanese on 8 December 1941. The invaders arrived from the north, confounding the British military commanders who had expected an attack by sea from the south. Despite their superior numbers, the Allied forces surrendered to the Japanese on Chinese New Year , 15 February 1942. It was the largest surrender of British-led forces in history. The island, once feted as an “impregnable fortress”, was renamed Syonan-to (or “Light of the South Island” in Japanese). When the Japanese surrendered in 1945, the island was handed over to the British Military Administration, which remained in power until the dissolution of the Straits Settlement comprising Penang, Melaka and Singapore.

In April 1946, Singapore became a British Crown Colony. The Road to Independence Singapore has come a long way to become what it is today. In 1959, the growth of nationalism led to self-government, and the country’s first general election. The People’s Action Party (PAP) won a majority of 43 seats and Lee Kuan Yew became the first prime minister of Singapore. In 1963, Malaysia was formed, comprising of the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak and North Borneo (now Sabah). The move was meant to foster closer ties. However, Singapore’s merger proved unsuccessful, and less than two years later on 9 August 1965, it left Malaysia to become an independent and sovereign democratic nation. Today, many slices of Singapore’s multi-cultural, colonial and wartime past are preserved in and around the city. You can visit monuments, museums and memorials, or for a real trip through time, take a walk along a heritage trail. Also Check Out

Question: Which city was founded by Sir Stamford Raffles as a trading settlement in 1819?
Answer: Singapore