St. Andrew Cathedral is dedicated to St. Andrew, the patrol saint of Scotland as donations came from Scottish merchants. The building was built in 1834 and completed in 1827. It was stuck twice by lightning and finally closed in 1852. Convicts was used as labourers to build the church. The architectural style of the building is early gothic and it was designed by Colonel MacPerson.
Memorial cross to MacPherson
with the lady who told us the history of St. Andrew Cathedral and helped us with the questions.
11:37 PM
Raffles Hotel
Next Stop: Raffles Hotel
The hotel was opened by Armenian Sarkies Brothers on Dec 1, 1887.
The hotel played host to famous writers such as Radyard Kipling ,Joseph Conrad , Noel Coward and Sommerset Maugham.
For most people who did not know, there is a Raffles muesum at the 3rd floor which is open to the public at no cost.
11:36 PM
CHIJMES
NEXT: CHIJMES
CHIJMES was a Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus ( CHIJ). It was a school and an orphanage. In 1933, CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls' School was established there.
The Caldwall House was designed and built by G D Coleman, and was purchased by Rev J M Beurel on 18 August 1852. Upstairs, there are a series of photos such as:
The gate of hope.
What is written on it: at this small gate of the former Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, many babies were abandoned in baskets to be picked by the Sisters of the Convent. This was the origin of the home of abandoned babies.
For over a 100 years, the orphanage was born to children from poor or broken families as well as unwanted babies. The orphanage took in many Chinese baby girls born in the year of the tiger - The "tiger" girls - because of the strong superstitious belief that they will bring bad luck to their families.
in 1968, the mother superior noted that this practice was stopped as it marked change in this superstitious belief. The home of abandoned babies ceased functioning in 1983 when the CHIJ was relocated. The CHIJ was founded in 1854 in Singapore by the French Catholic Missionary.
11:35 PM
Cathedral of the Good Shepherd
Next: Cathedral of Good Shepherd Exterior look(above)
The cathedral is oriented eastwards, with the main altar facing the direction of the sun.
Done in a renaissance style, it has a high timber-decorated ceiling and its porches are Palladian in style (reminiscent of the work of Coleman)
Interior of Good shepherd(above)
Set in leafy grounds, this fine neoclassical Catholic cathedral was built in 1846 (it became a cathedral in 1888).Architect Dennis McSwinney, formerly a clerk to G.D Coleman .It is regarded as one of the finest building in Singapore but sadly have been painted a dull beige and brown.
It was used as an emergency hospital during the Japanese invasion.
Cathedral compound also contains the Archbishop's house, the resident's quarters and the priest's house.
11:34 PM
National Museum of Singapore
National Museum of Singapore
The Beautiful and tedious architecture that drove the architect mad.
The elusive Red Plaque.
What was the original name of the National Museum? Raffles Library and museum
When was it opened? 1886-1887
The time capsule outside the National Museum which will be open this year, December. The nice, clean and revamped National Museum.
11:33 PM
Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning=)
In 1819, Fort Canning was known as Fobidden Hill or in Malay known as Bukit Larangan.
Between 1819-1859, it was known as Government Hill.
Since 1859, it was known as Fort canning.
The view from top of the hill.
Then, it was out-of-bound to commoners.
In 1822, Raffles built his house on the summit of the hill. Raffles' house was used by the resident councillor and later by the governor.
A Christian cemetery was also built in this period to replace the older graveyard. Not much remains of this, only some fine neoclassical monuments (possibly by an Irish architect G.D.Coleman), the original two Gothic gateways (from1846), the gateway of the fort and a guardhouse.
In 1846, the cemetery site was extended and the new perimeter defined by a brick wall with beautiful Gothic gates that still stand
Below is the picture of the Cupolas.
A prominent architect of ealry Singapore, George Coleman(1755-1844) designed the Cupolas.No record of their date of constuction or their purpose exists; they were possibly meant to be places of repose where people might come to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the hill.
11:33 PM
Old Tao Nan School Building
Old Tao Nan School Building
This building was built on 18th November 1906. Setting up of Tao Nan school was initiated by Tan Boon Liat, grandson of Tan Tock Seng. It gained support from the Hokkien merchants and was aided by the Singapore Hokkien Association (Hokkien Huay Kuan). Construction of a school building was proposed by Tan Kah Kee. A plot of land at Armenian Street was purchased with $10,000 donated by sugar baron Oei Tiong Ham in 1910. As President of the School Board, Tan Kah Kee embarked on a donation drive to finance the building project. The Old Tao Nan School has relocated to Marine Parade and its site is currently occupied by the Peranakan Museum.
The ever informative info board which made us look like tourist.
The red Plaques which was so high up that none of us could see what was on it. During the war
The building was once St Joseph Institution.
Father Sean Marie Beurel and a small group of La Salle brothers.
The bold and infamous sign. As you can tell it was very hot.
Quirky art found in the museum.
11:31 PM
Central Fire Station
The Central Fire Station is the oldest fire station in Singapore and it opened in 1909. The idea to construct a professional Fire Brigade was conceived after a fire in Kling Street on 7 November 1855. However, it was 14 years later before a volunteer fire service was started and a further 36 years before Singapore's first proper fire station (Central Fire Station) was built. It became so invaluable that during the Japanese Occupation, the Japanese retained the British firemen in their jobs and spared their lives. The central fire station became a national monument on 18 December 1998.
11:31 PM
Armenian Church
The Armenian church is the oldest church in Singapore and it was built by George Drumgoole Coleman in 1833. By 1835, the building was completed and was dedicated to St Gregory the Illuminator. He was the first Patriarch of the Church in Armenia. The architectural style of the exterior building is neo classical while the interior design follow traditional Armenian style.
On the church ground includes a memorial garden to the Armenians. Interestingly, the Memorial Garden was never actually used as a burial ground. The tombstones that lie there were all transported from the Christian cemetry in Bukit Timah when it was exhumed in 1988. The grave of Agnes Joaquim, who was the "founder" of Singapore's national flower, can be found here.
Doorway to the inside of the church
Tuesday, February 3, 2009, 1:38 PM
mica building
Mica
The MICA Building, otherwise known as the Old Hill Street Police Station (OHSPS), was erected in 1934 to house the Hill Street Police Station and Barracks. It was gazetted as a national monument in 1998 and transformed into comfortable and lively premises for MICA. MICA moved from PSA Building to MICA Building in 2000. The building also houses National Arts Council, National Heritage Board, Media Development Authority and Singapore Kindness Movement.
St. Andrew Cathedral is dedicated to St. Andrew, the patrol saint of Scotland as donations came from Scottish merchants. The building was built in 1834 and completed in 1827. It was stuck twice by lightning and finally closed in 1852. Convicts was used as labourers to build the church. The architectural style of the building is early gothic and it was designed by Colonel MacPerson.
Memorial cross to MacPherson
with the lady who told us the history of St. Andrew Cathedral and helped us with the questions.
Next Stop: Raffles Hotel
The hotel was opened by Armenian Sarkies Brothers on Dec 1, 1887.
The hotel played host to famous writers such as Radyard Kipling ,Joseph Conrad , Noel Coward and Sommerset Maugham.
For most people who did not know, there is a Raffles muesum at the 3rd floor which is open to the public at no cost.
NEXT: CHIJMES
CHIJMES was a Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus ( CHIJ). It was a school and an orphanage. In 1933, CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls' School was established there.
The Caldwall House was designed and built by G D Coleman, and was purchased by Rev J M Beurel on 18 August 1852. Upstairs, there are a series of photos such as:
The gate of hope.
What is written on it: at this small gate of the former Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, many babies were abandoned in baskets to be picked by the Sisters of the Convent. This was the origin of the home of abandoned babies.
For over a 100 years, the orphanage was born to children from poor or broken families as well as unwanted babies. The orphanage took in many Chinese baby girls born in the year of the tiger - The "tiger" girls - because of the strong superstitious belief that they will bring bad luck to their families.
in 1968, the mother superior noted that this practice was stopped as it marked change in this superstitious belief. The home of abandoned babies ceased functioning in 1983 when the CHIJ was relocated. The CHIJ was founded in 1854 in Singapore by the French Catholic Missionary.
Next: Cathedral of Good Shepherd Exterior look(above)
The cathedral is oriented eastwards, with the main altar facing the direction of the sun.
Done in a renaissance style, it has a high timber-decorated ceiling and its porches are Palladian in style (reminiscent of the work of Coleman)
Interior of Good shepherd(above)
Set in leafy grounds, this fine neoclassical Catholic cathedral was built in 1846 (it became a cathedral in 1888).Architect Dennis McSwinney, formerly a clerk to G.D Coleman .It is regarded as one of the finest building in Singapore but sadly have been painted a dull beige and brown.
It was used as an emergency hospital during the Japanese invasion.
Cathedral compound also contains the Archbishop's house, the resident's quarters and the priest's house.
National Museum of Singapore
The Beautiful and tedious architecture that drove the architect mad.
The elusive Red Plaque.
What was the original name of the National Museum? Raffles Library and museum
When was it opened? 1886-1887
The time capsule outside the National Museum which will be open this year, December. The nice, clean and revamped National Museum.
Fort Canning=)
In 1819, Fort Canning was known as Fobidden Hill or in Malay known as Bukit Larangan.
Between 1819-1859, it was known as Government Hill.
Since 1859, it was known as Fort canning.
The view from top of the hill.
Then, it was out-of-bound to commoners.
In 1822, Raffles built his house on the summit of the hill. Raffles' house was used by the resident councillor and later by the governor.
A Christian cemetery was also built in this period to replace the older graveyard. Not much remains of this, only some fine neoclassical monuments (possibly by an Irish architect G.D.Coleman), the original two Gothic gateways (from1846), the gateway of the fort and a guardhouse.
In 1846, the cemetery site was extended and the new perimeter defined by a brick wall with beautiful Gothic gates that still stand
Below is the picture of the Cupolas.
A prominent architect of ealry Singapore, George Coleman(1755-1844) designed the Cupolas.No record of their date of constuction or their purpose exists; they were possibly meant to be places of repose where people might come to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the hill.
Old Tao Nan School Building
This building was built on 18th November 1906. Setting up of Tao Nan school was initiated by Tan Boon Liat, grandson of Tan Tock Seng. It gained support from the Hokkien merchants and was aided by the Singapore Hokkien Association (Hokkien Huay Kuan). Construction of a school building was proposed by Tan Kah Kee. A plot of land at Armenian Street was purchased with $10,000 donated by sugar baron Oei Tiong Ham in 1910. As President of the School Board, Tan Kah Kee embarked on a donation drive to finance the building project. The Old Tao Nan School has relocated to Marine Parade and its site is currently occupied by the Peranakan Museum.
The ever informative info board which made us look like tourist.
The red Plaques which was so high up that none of us could see what was on it. During the war
The building was once St Joseph Institution.
Father Sean Marie Beurel and a small group of La Salle brothers.
The bold and infamous sign. As you can tell it was very hot.
Quirky art found in the museum.
The Central Fire Station is the oldest fire station in Singapore and it opened in 1909. The idea to construct a professional Fire Brigade was conceived after a fire in Kling Street on 7 November 1855. However, it was 14 years later before a volunteer fire service was started and a further 36 years before Singapore's first proper fire station (Central Fire Station) was built. It became so invaluable that during the Japanese Occupation, the Japanese retained the British firemen in their jobs and spared their lives. The central fire station became a national monument on 18 December 1998.
The Armenian church is the oldest church in Singapore and it was built by George Drumgoole Coleman in 1833. By 1835, the building was completed and was dedicated to St Gregory the Illuminator. He was the first Patriarch of the Church in Armenia. The architectural style of the exterior building is neo classical while the interior design follow traditional Armenian style.
On the church ground includes a memorial garden to the Armenians. Interestingly, the Memorial Garden was never actually used as a burial ground. The tombstones that lie there were all transported from the Christian cemetry in Bukit Timah when it was exhumed in 1988. The grave of Agnes Joaquim, who was the "founder" of Singapore's national flower, can be found here.
Doorway to the inside of the church
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Mica
The MICA Building, otherwise known as the Old Hill Street Police Station (OHSPS), was erected in 1934 to house the Hill Street Police Station and Barracks. It was gazetted as a national monument in 1998 and transformed into comfortable and lively premises for MICA. MICA moved from PSA Building to MICA Building in 2000. The building also houses National Arts Council, National Heritage Board, Media Development Authority and Singapore Kindness Movement.
Behind the scenes We love Lamboginis, and your fantistic lunch:)
Looking back.
Through this trip, I have learned a lot from this trip. Although I have been to some of the places before, I did not read or bother to know much about the history of the place till that day. Moreover, I learnt a lot about my primary school (SNGS), which was at CHIJMES. Furthermore, I learnt about the different architecture style and the interesting facts about the fact. Such as, St. Andrew's Cathedral was strike by lighting TWICE.
The Armenian Church and the Tao Nan School were the two places, which I found very interesting as We have a lot of difficulty finding it. Later we found out that Tao Nao was actually the Peranakan Museum and the Armenian Church is beside the firestation.
With this chance, it was the first time that I stepped into Raffles Hotel's Lobby. It was totally what I did not expect. I expected a rather modernized instead, it having a very colonial feels to it and you would not have expected. Going to Fort Canning was quite fun. We had to climb tons of steps to reach the top and the view was great.
clara
I have definitely benefitted greatly from this heritage trail. It has made the learning of history become much more interesting and alive. I find this heritage trail especially useful as it has helped me to better appreciate the history of Singapore and also allowed me to take a very informative look into the rich cultural history and heritage of Singapore. Being able to witness the historical buildings is undoubtedly not as passive as obtaining information and learning new facts and knowledge from books or the internet. As history teachers, I feel that it is important that we ourselves are knowledgable and are able to appreciate Singapore’s treasured past.
Vanessa
I felt that I have learnt alot of Singapore's history through this heritage trail. It was interesting to visit old churches and to learn that the pioneers' graves are still there( at the Armenian Church). One very interesting thing I found was that there were lots of conflicts that aroused from the national flower- Miss Vanda Joaquim. Furthermore, it is indeed interesting to know that the Armenian church has many old and interesting history. The fire station was also very interesting and it was my first time being the closest to a fire station. It was indeed interesting to visit the interior of the fire station and to understand more about the history of Singapore's first fire station. By knowing more about Singapore's history, I feel that it is good for me as I would treasure more in pertaining to what I have today.
Wen Chien
The whole journey was a learning experience. Previously I did not even know that there was an Armenian Church or that they were one of the early settlers in Singapore. Where have they gone to now?
I realized that I was quite ignorant about the early settlers. I just lump them all under the title Caucasians. Therefore now that I have e gone for the trail, I am informed of the origin of the settlers. Some were Dutch, most were British.
What I found most interesting was the St Andrew’s Cathedral. It could probably e due to the Guide that was there. She was this 80 something woman who was still fit and was very proficient in English. Despite her age she was cheerful at 10 in the morning. What’s more she was very informative. She informed us that the church was struck by lightning twice and that convicts build the original building. Therefore I think that having a tour guide would make the whole trip much more engaging.
The down side to the trail was that it was scattered all around the same place. Hence at the end of the day I realize that were walking in circles. Moreover it was quite embarrassing to be labeled as a tourist as this is usually a touristy thing to do. But we sucked it up and managed to complete the trail.
Another thing that I think is important when you embark on such a trail is the company that you have. For me, my group was quite lively and very focused but as usual at time we sidetracked and
On the whole it was rather tiring walking under the hot sun and searching for that little red plaque to obtain the information required. But it was rewarding as I manage to learn a lot about these once famous place. I also had a chance to visit these places which we as normal Singapore do not visit at all.
Munirah
Awesome. That is one word to describe my experience for the trail I went. It was definitely an eye-opening event for me. Being that someone who travels to town yet not noticing the heritage and story behind each building. This is especially true for certain buildings like the MICA building and the central fire station which I always passed-by but did not notice its significance until the day we ventured beyond its entrance. Apart from that, I was intrigued by the history of the different churches and its structural features. Although it was built like years ago, the structure was still strong as ever. This is definitely a great way to know my History mates better. Overall, I thought this experience of ourselves participating in the exploration of finding out more about the history of places in Singapore was definitely very interactive.
Shameera
Exterior look(above)
Interior of Good shepherd(above)
The Beautiful and tedious architecture that drove the architect mad.
The elusive Red Plaque.
The time capsule outside the National Museum which will be open this year, December.
The nice, clean and revamped National Museum.
A Christian cemetery was also built in this period to replace the older graveyard.
In 1846, the cemetery site was extended and the new perimeter defined by a brick wall with beautiful Gothic gates that still stand
The Central Fire Station is the oldest fire station in Singapore and it opened in 1909. The idea to construct a professional Fire Brigade was conceived after a fire in Kling Street on 7 November 1855. However, it was 14 years later before a volunteer fire service was started and a further 36 years before Singapore's first proper fire station (Central Fire Station) was built. It became so invaluable that during the Japanese Occupation, the Japanese retained the British firemen in their jobs and spared their lives. The central fire station became a national monument on 18 December 1998. 
