Raffles’ expedition arrived in Singapore on 29 January 1819 (although they landed on Saint John’s Island the previous day).
When did Stanford Raffles come to Singapore?
Stamford Raffles landed in Singapore on 28 January 1819 . Travelling on the Indiana with a squadron that included the schooner Enterprise, he anchored at St John’s Island at 4.00 pm on 28 January 1819 and met with Temenggong Abdul Rahman.
Why did Sir Stamford Raffles came to Singapore?
Raffles, then Lieutenant-Governor of Bencoolen, was searching for a new British base for the British East India Company in the region in 1818 . He subsequently found the island of Singapore, which was located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula and near the Straits of Malacca.
How long was Stamford Raffles in Singapore?
Raffles finally returned to England on 22 August 1824, over a year after he left Singapore. His longest tenure in Singapore was only eight months , but he was considered the founder of Singapore nevertheless.
What Sir Stamford Raffles did in Singapore?
We recognise him as the man who founded modern Singapore 200 years ago. In 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles signed a treaty with the Sultan of Johor, granting the British East India Company rights to set up a trading post in Singapore.
Who really founded Singapore?
Modern Singapore was founded in the 19th century, thanks to politics, trade and a man known as Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles .
Who named Singapore?
Sometime in the 14th century the name was changed to Singapura, which is now rendered as Singapore in English. Singapura means “Lion City” in Sanskrit, and Sang Nila Utama is usually credited with naming the city, although its actual origin is uncertain .
Why did British choose Singapore?
The harbor, being closer to the island itself would make it easier for the British to defend the harbor from pirates, making it safer. The geographic properties of Singapore, therefore allowed it to be chosen as the place where a port would be set-up .
Was Singapore a British colony?
The Colony of Singapore was a British Crown colony that existed from 1946 and succeeded by the State of Singapore in 1959. When the Empire of Japan surrendered to the Allies at the end of World War II, Singapore was returned to the British in 1945.
What was Singapore called before?
Singapore was known in the 13th to 14th century as Temasek, a name also recorded in Chinese sources as Dan Ma Xi, a country recorded as having two distinct settlements – Long Ya Men and Ban Zu. It changed its name to Singapura perhaps towards the end of 14th century.
What did Raffles do wrong?
His rule over the island was marked by conflict and poor financial performance. Most notably, there was a scandal named the ‘Banjarmasin Outrage’, where Raffles kidnapped women and forced them into sexual servitude . Evidence for this can be found in academic Syed Hussein Alatas’ book, ‘Raffles: Schemer or Reformer’.
How much did Raffles pay for Singapore?
He dangled a carrot in front of the Malay rulers by proposing the cancellation of their debts, a resumption of payments as agreed under the 1819 agreement and a lump sum payment of 20,000 Spanish dollars , in return for ceding control of Singapore to him.
When did Raffles implement the free port status in Singapore?
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.
How did Singapore get its name?
However, the original legend was that a long time ago, a 14th century Sumatran prince spotted an auspicious beast upon landing on the island after a thunderstorm, which he was told was a ‘lion’. Thus, the name Singapore comes from the Malay words “Singa” for lion and “Pura” for city .
Why is the Raffles Hotel famous?
Easily the most famous hotel in Singapore, no other establishment epitomises the island’s colonial history better than Raffles Hotel Singapore. Named after Singapore’s founder, Sir Stamford Raffles , the hotel was built by the Sarkies Brothers, responsible for other luxury hotels in the region during the colonial era.
Who owns Raffles?
Now open – 115 Rooms. Raffles Hotel Singapore, which is owned by Katara Hospitality , global hotel owner, developer and operator based in Qatar; and managed by Accor, is officially celebrating its reopening today.
