Raffles House: Difference between revisions

Government House
Government House
	Early drawing of Singapore viewed from the sea, sketched by Lt. Philip Jackson a few days before Raffles' departure from Singapore in 1823. The Residency House is near the peak close to a flag pole on Fort Canning Hill, known then simply as "The Hill".
Former names	Residency House
General information
Status	Demolished
Type	bungalow
Architectural style	Neoclassical
Classification	B
Location	Government Hill, Singapore
Address	Government Hill, Singapore
Town or city	Singapore
Country	Singapore
Named for	British Government
Construction started	November 1822
Completed	January 1823
Opened	January 1823
Renovated	June 1824
Demolished	1859
Cost	$916
Owner	Stamford Raffles (former)
Technical details
Floor count	1
Floor area	100 ft long, 50 ft wide
Design and construction
Architect(s)	George Drumgoole Coleman
Known for	Residence for Stamford Raffles, Residents and Governors of Singapore
Renovating team
Architect(s)	George Drumgoole Coleman
Other information
Number of rooms	2

Raffles House
Raffles House
General information
Status	Completed
Architectural style	Neoclassical
Classification	A
Location	Fort Canning Hill, Singapore
Address	Raffles Terrace, Fort Canning Hill, Singapore
Town or city	Singapore
Country	Singapore
Coordinates	1°17′31.0″N 103°50′50.5″E / 1.291944°N 103.847361°E
Named for	Stamford Raffles
Opened	10 October 2003
Client	Host
Owner	National Parks Board
Landlord	National Parks Board
Technical details
Floor count	1
Floor area	101.25 sqm
Known for	Replica house of Stamford Raffles
Other information
Number of rooms	1
Parking	nearest to Registry of Marriages
Website
	1-host.sg/wedding/locations/raffles-house

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Raffles House is a single-storey building built on the Fort Canning Hill, Singapore. The original building was a wood and atap structure built in 1822 that was used as a place of residence by Sir Stamford Raffles. This building was later rebuilt as a neoclassical-styled Government House as the residence of subsequent colonial governors, but it was demolished in 1858 to make way for the construction Fort Canning. The present structure built on the same site is a brick and tile building constructed in 2003.

History

Residency House

Residency House, the original residence of Sir Stamford Raffles and his sister's family, was a wooden house with venetians and thatched attap roof, the house was the earliest Singapore's project of George Drumgoole Coleman. Coleman, who waited for Raffles to return from Bencoolen, Sumatra for four months, in the meantime designed the House in speculation for Raffles' residence use.

Raffles, upon his return from Bencoolen, Sumatra in October 1822, impressed with Coleman's design, approved the house.^[2] Construction of the house was soon begun on Singapore Hill in November 1822 and completed by January 1823.^[3] Raffles and his wife Sophie would move to the house by early January 1823.

On 21 January 1823, Raffles wrote to William Marsden about the house and its scenery.

“We have lately built a small bungalow on Singapore Hill where though the height is inconsiderable, we find great difference in climate. Nothing can be more interesting and beautiful than the view from this spot. I am happy to say the change has had a very beneficial effect on my health, which has been better during the last fortnight than I have known it for two years before. The tombs of the Malay Kings are close at hand, and I have settled that if it is my fate to die here I shall take my place amongst them; this will at any rate be better than leaving my bones at Bencoolen. If it pleases God, we still live in the hope of embarking for Europe towards the end of the year.‟

"I am laying out a botanic and experimental garden, and it would delight you to see how rapidly the whole country is coming under cultivation. My residence here has naturally given much confidence, and the extent of the speculations entered into by the Chinese quite astonished me."
— Stamford Raffles, Extensive Speculations of the Chinese, Memoir of the Life and Public Services of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles Singapore, January 21, 1823

On 23 January 1823, Raffles wrote to the Duchess of Somerset about the house and the hill.

" Since I last wrote to your Grace, about a month ago, I have had another very severe attack in my head, which nearly proved fatal, and the Doctors were for hurrying me on board ship for Europe without much ceremony. However, as I could not reconcile myself to become food for fishes, I preferred ascending the hill of Singapore, where, if my bones must remain in the East, they would have the honour of mixing with the ashes of the Malayan kings; and the result has been, that instead of dying, I have almost entirely recovered. I have built a very comfortable house, which is sufficient to accommodate my sister's family as well as our own; and I only wish you were here but for half-an-hour, to enjoy the unequalled beauty and interest of the scene. My house, which is one hundred feet front, and fifty deep, was finished in a fortnight from its commencement. When will your cottage be done?"
— Stamford Raffles, To the Duchess of Somerset., Memoir of the Life and Public Services of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles Singapore, January 23, 1823

Government House

On 2 February 1824, Raffles and his family would left Singapore for England. Raffles' house was bought over by the British Government and renamed as Government House and the hill would known as the Government Hill. At the own expense of 2nd Resident John Crawfurd, the house was further extended and redesigned in June by Coleman again with bricks and tiles in the neoclassical style for the residence of Residents and Governors of Singapore. The Government House had a clear view of the settlement around Singapore River and was featured in many paintings of the area.

In 1858, the Government House was eventually demolished and the site handed to the British military for the construction of a fort in 1859 known as the Fort Canning which was completed in 1861.^[4] Upon its demolition, the Governor's residence was temporarily moved to a villa in Oxley Estate called the Pavilion.^[5]^[6]

Rebuilding

A modernized version of the house, named Raffles House, was constructed in brick and tile near the site of the former Government House. Completed in 2003, it serves as a venue for events and wedding functions.

References

^ "Weddings & Corporate Social Events Singapore - 1-HOST". www.1-host.sg. Retrieved 2022-01-25.
^ "George D. Coleman commences work in Singapore". History SG. National Library Board.
^ Cornelius, Vernon (2004). "G.D.Coleman". Singapore Infopedia. National Library Board.
^ Singapore's 100 Historic Places. Archipelago Press. 2002. p. 28. ISBN 981-4068-23-3. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
^ "The Singapore Free Press". The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser. 26 May 1859.
^ "River Valley". Singapore Infopedia. National Library Board.

[1] "Weddings & Corporate Social Events Singapore - 1-HOST". www.1-host.sg. Retrieved 2022-01-25.

[2] "George D. Coleman commences work in Singapore". History SG. National Library Board.

[coleman-3] Cornelius, Vernon (2004). "G.D.Coleman". Singapore Infopedia. National Library Board.

[100_historic_places-4] Singapore's 100 Historic Places. Archipelago Press. 2002. p. 28. ISBN 981-4068-23-3. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)

[5] "The Singapore Free Press". The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser. 26 May 1859.

[6] "River Valley". Singapore Infopedia. National Library Board.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

@@ Line 49: / Line 49: @@
 | cost                =
 | ren_cost            =
-| client              = Host <ref>http://1-host.sg/</ref>
+| client              = Host<ref>{{Cite web|title=Weddings & Corporate Social Events Singapore - 1-HOST|url=https://www.1-host.sg/|access-date=2022-01-25|website=www.1-host.sg}}</ref>
 | owner               = [[National Parks Board]]
 | landlord            = [[National Parks Board]]
@@ Line 102: / Line 102: @@
 | footnotes           =
 }}
-'''Raffles House''' is a single-storey building built on the [[Fort Canning Hill]], [[Singapore]]. The original building was a wood and ''atap'' structure built in 1822 that was used as a place of residence by Sir [[Stamford Raffles]].  The present structure built on the same site is a brick and tile building constructed later.
+'''Raffles House''' is a single-storey building built on the [[Fort Canning Hill]], [[Singapore]]. The original building was a wood and ''[[Nypa fruticans|atap]]'' structure built in 1822 that was used as a place of residence by Sir [[Stamford Raffles]].  This building was later rebuilt as a neoclassical-styled '''Government House''' as the residence of subsequent colonial governors, but it was demolished in 1858 to make way for the construction Fort Canning. The present structure built on the same site is a brick and tile building constructed in 2003.
 ==History==
@@ Line 114: / Line 114: @@
 | logo_alt            =
 | logo_caption        =
-| image               = Fort Canning from the Singapore River - 1860–1900.jpg
+| image               = Singapore from the Sea June 1823 - Lt. Phillip Jackson.jpg
 | image_size          =
 | image_alt           =
+| image_caption       = Early drawing of Singapore viewed from the sea, sketched by Lt. [[Philip Jackson (surveyor)|Philip Jackson]] a few days before Raffles' departure from Singapore in 1823. The Residency House is near the peak close to a flag pole on [[Fort Canning Hill]], known then simply as "The Hill".
-| image_caption       = Fort Canning Hill (1860 – 1900), where the Government House was once stood on.
 | map_type            =
 | map_alt             =
@@ Line 151: / Line 151: @@
 | inauguration_date   =
 | relocated_date      =
-| renovation_date     = 1823
+| renovation_date     = June 1824
 | closing_date        =
 | demolition_date     = 1859
@@ Line 209: / Line 209: @@
 | footnotes           =
 }}
-'''Residency House''', the original residence of Sir [[Stamford Raffles]] and his sister’s family, was a wooden house with venetians and thatched attap roof, the house was the earliest Singapore's project of [[George Drumgoole Coleman]]. Coleman, who waited for Raffles to return from [[British Bencoolen|Bencoolen]], [[Sumatra]] for four months, in the meantime designed the House in speculation for Raffles' residence use.
+'''Residency House''', the original residence of Sir [[Stamford Raffles]] and his sister's family, was a wooden house with venetians and thatched attap roof, the house was the earliest Singapore's project of [[George Drumgoole Coleman]]. Coleman, who waited for Raffles to return from [[British Bencoolen|Bencoolen]], [[Sumatra]] for four months, in the meantime designed the House in speculation for Raffles' residence use.
-Raffles, upon his return from [[British Bencoolen|Bencoolen]], [[Sumatra]] on October 1822, impressed with Coleman's design, approved the house.<ref>http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/ad0b8733-a986-4e40-adde-54782caedb10</ref> Construction of the house was soon begun on [[Singapore Hill]] in November 1822 and completed by January 1823.<ref name="coleman">{{cite web|last=Cornelius|first= Vernon|date=2004|title=G.D.Coleman|work= Singapore Infopedia|publisher= National Library Board |url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_134_2004-12-10.html}}</ref> Raffles and his wife Sophie would moved to the house by early January 1823.
+Raffles, upon his return from [[British Bencoolen|Bencoolen]], [[Sumatra]] in October 1822, impressed with Coleman's design, approved the house.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/ad0b8733-a986-4e40-adde-54782caedb10 |title=George D. Coleman commences work in Singapore |work=History SG|publisher=National Library Board}}</ref> Construction of the house was soon begun on [[Singapore Hill]] in November 1822 and completed by January 1823.<ref name="coleman">{{cite web|last=Cornelius|first= Vernon|date=2004|title=G.D.Coleman|work= Singapore Infopedia|publisher= National Library Board |url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_134_2004-12-10.html}}</ref> Raffles and his wife Sophie would move to the house by early January 1823.
 On 21 January 1823, Raffles wrote to [[William Marsden (orientalist)|William Marsden]] about the house and its scenery.
@@ Line 220: / Line 221: @@
  |quote = “We have lately built a small bungalow on Singapore Hill where though the height is inconsiderable, we find great difference in climate. Nothing can be more interesting and beautiful than the view from this spot. I am happy to say the change has had a very beneficial effect on my health, which has been better during the last fortnight than I have known it for two years before. The tombs of the Malay Kings are close at hand, and I have settled that if it is my fate to die here I shall take my place amongst them; this will at any rate be better than leaving my bones at Bencoolen. If it pleases God, we still live in the hope of embarking for Europe towards the end of the year.‟
 <br>
-“I am laying out a botanic and experimental garden, and it would delight you to see how rapidly the whole country is coming under cultivation. My residence here has naturally given much confidence, and the extent of the speculations entered into by the Chinese quite astonished me.‟
+"I am laying out a botanic and experimental garden, and it would delight you to see how rapidly the whole country is coming under cultivation. My residence here has naturally given much confidence, and the extent of the speculations entered into by the Chinese quite astonished me."
+ |style = text-align: left;
- |width  = 50%
- |tstyle = text-align: left;
- |title_bg = none
- |border=none
  |author = [[Stamford Raffles]]
  |source = ''Memoir of the Life and Public Services of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles'' <small>Singapore, January 21, 1823</small>
- |qalign = left
 }}
@@ Line 235: / Line 232: @@
  |class = letterhead
  |title = To the Duchess of Somerset.
- |quote = “ Since I last wrote to your Grace, about a month ago, I have had another very severe attack in my head, which nearly proved fatal, and the Doctors were for hurrying me on board ship for Europe without much ceremony. However, as I could not reconcile myself to become food for fishes, I preferred ascending the hill of Singapore, where, if my bones must remain in the East, they would have the honour of mixing with the ashes of the Malayan kings; and the result has been, that instead of dying, I have almost entirely recovered. I have built a very comfortable house, which is sufficient to accommodate my sister’s family as well as our own; and I only wish you were here but for half-an-hour, to enjoy the unequalled beauty and interest of the scene. My house, which is one hundred feet front, and fifty deep, was finished in a fortnight from its commencement. When will your cottage be done?
+ |quote = " Since I last wrote to your Grace, about a month ago, I have had another very severe attack in my head, which nearly proved fatal, and the Doctors were for hurrying me on board ship for Europe without much ceremony. However, as I could not reconcile myself to become food for fishes, I preferred ascending the hill of Singapore, where, if my bones must remain in the East, they would have the honour of mixing with the ashes of the Malayan kings; and the result has been, that instead of dying, I have almost entirely recovered. I have built a very comfortable house, which is sufficient to accommodate my sister's family as well as our own; and I only wish you were here but for half-an-hour, to enjoy the unequalled beauty and interest of the scene. My house, which is one hundred feet front, and fifty deep, was finished in a fortnight from its commencement. When will your cottage be done?"
+ |style = text-align: left;
- |width  = 50%
- |tstyle = text-align: left;
- |title_bg = none
- |border=none
  |author = [[Stamford Raffles]]
  |source = ''Memoir of the Life and Public Services of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles'' <small>Singapore, January 23, 1823</small>
- |qalign = left
 }}
 ===Government House===
-{{Confused|Government House of Singapore}}<ref>http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_807_2005-02-01.html</ref>
+{{Distinguish|Government House of Singapore}}
-Raffles' house was soon bought over by the [[British Government]] and renamed as '''Government House''' and the hill would known as the '''Government Hill'''. At the own expense of 2nd [[Resident of Singapore|Resident]] [[John Crawfurd]], the house was further extended and redesigned by Coleman again with bricks and tiles in the [[Neoclassical architecture|neoclassical]] style for the residence of [[Resident of Singapore|Residents]] and [[Governors of Singapore]]. The Government House had a clear view of the settlement around [[Singapore River]] and was featured in many paintings of the area.
+On 2 February 1824, Raffles and his family would left Singapore for [[England]]. Raffles' house was bought over by the [[British Government]] and renamed as Government House and the hill would known as the '''Government Hill'''. At the own expense of 2nd [[Resident of Singapore|Resident]] [[John Crawfurd]], the house was further extended and redesigned in June by Coleman again with bricks and tiles in the [[Neoclassical architecture|neoclassical]] style for the residence of [[Resident of Singapore|Residents]] and [[Governors of Singapore]]. The Government House had a clear view of the settlement around [[Singapore River]] and was featured in many paintings of the area.
-On 2 February 1824, Raffles and his family would left Singapore for [[England]]. In 1859, the Government House was eventually demolished to make way for a [[fort]] which would be known as the [[Fort Canning]] in 1861.<ref>http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_8_2004-12-10.html</ref> Upon the demolition of Raffles House, Government House was temporarily moved to a villa in Oxley Estate called the '''[[Pavilion, Singapore|Pavilion]]'''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/singfreepressa18590526-1.2.4|title=The Singapore Free Press|last=|first=|date=26 May 1859|work=The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2016-08-02_161313.html?s=River%20Valley|title=River Valley|website=Singapore Infopedia|publisher=National Library Board}}</ref>
+In 1858, the Government House was eventually demolished and the site handed to the British military for the construction of a [[fort]] in 1859 known as the [[Fort Canning]] which was completed in 1861.<ref name="100 historic places">{{cite book |work=National Heritage Board |date=2002|title=Singapore's 100 Historic Places|publisher= Archipelago Press|isbn= 981-4068-23-3 |page=28}}</ref>  Upon its demolition, the Governor's residence was temporarily moved to a villa in Oxley Estate called the '''[[Pavilion, Singapore|Pavilion]]'''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/singfreepressa18590526-1.2.4|title=The Singapore Free Press|date=26 May 1859|work=The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2016-08-02_161313.html?s=River%20Valley|title=River Valley|website=Singapore Infopedia|publisher=National Library Board}}</ref>
 ==Rebuilding==
-A modernised version of the house named Raffles House was built in brick and tile on the site of the former Government House was completed in 2003. It is equipped with modern facilities, and may be used as a venue for events and wedding functions.
+A modernized version of the house, named Raffles House, was constructed in brick and tile near the site of the former Government House. Completed in 2003, it serves as a venue for events and wedding functions.
 ==See also==
-* [[Fort Canning Arts Centre]]
 * [[Fort Canning Lighthouse]]
 * [[Fort Canning Park]]
 * [[Fort Canning Reservoir]]
 * [[The Battle Box]]
-* [[The Foothills Fort Canning Park]]
 ==References==
@@ Line 272: / Line 263: @@
 [[Category:Government Houses of the British Empire and Commonwealth]]
 [[Category:Houses completed in 1823]]
-[[Category:1823 establishments in the British Empire]]
+[[Category:1823 establishments in Singapore]]
-[[Category:1820s establishments in British Malaya]]
 [[Category:1859 disestablishments in the British Empire]]
 [[Category:1859 disestablishments in the Straits Settlements]]
+[[Category:19th-century architecture in Singapore]]