Top 10 Facts About Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay by Sengkang –Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Facts About Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay is a tourist attraction in Singapore, specifically located on the southern bank of the Singapore River. Despite its fame and popularity, only a few people know about it. It is also considered one of the more affordable waterfront properties in the world.

The hard-working neighborhood also has much to offer, including colonial charm and delicious rambutan fruit. As Singapore continues to revamp its skyline, it will be interesting to see how this revitalized district will look in the future. Clarke Quay is just one of many attractions in Singapore. This post explores ten fascinating facts about Clarke Quay in Singapore that you probably did not know.

1.The Singapore River Played a Key Role in the Growth and Development of Clarke Quay

Singapour river panorama with Clarke Quay on the left bank by Sengkang- Wikimedia Commons

The Singapore River was vital during Singapore’s early days as an international trading center. The river was a key part of Singapore’s early development, as it was used to transport goods to different neighbouring countries. During the late 19th century, the river was still vital to Singapore’s commerce and economy.

However, by the late 1800s, there was a decline in this industry due to the construction of new ports – specifically the Tanjong Pagar port. Still, in its heyday, this area hosted several residential buildings that wealthy merchants from China and Malaysia constructed at that time.

2.Clarke Quay was Used as a Prisoners of War Camp During World War II

Clarke Quay by Haakon S. Krohn –Wikimedia Commons

During World War II, Clarke Quay was used as a prisoner of war camp. The Japanese housed 2,500 prisoners there. Over the years, Clarke Quay continued to be used as a place for holding prisoners. Macau residents were housed here as well in 1952. Later in the ’50s, another camp was established to hold communist prisoners.

3.The First Road to be Constructed in Clarke Quay was the Telok Blangah Road

The first road built on this quay was Telok Blangah Road which started construction on 6th October 1923 and opened on 30th May 1926. It extended down to Temasek Road and New Bridge Road. The older street names were Jalan Quay, Kampong Quay and Tiong Bahru Road. However, most of those names were changed over time due to the construction of the Nanyang River.

4.Clarke Quay was Originally Known as Clarks Quay

Clarke Quay by Jamal T.M – Wikimedia Commons

Initially, the Clarke Quay was called Clarks Quay, and in 1830, a British merchant named Thomas Clark bought over 4 acres of land on the south bank of the Singapore River and converted it into a quay for his business. The area was called Quay.

The name Clark Quay refers to Captain Edward Clark, who laid the foundation in 1842 for his business, which started ferrying passengers across the Singapore River and became more successful with time. In addition, the area was once recognized as a hub for shipping activity.

According to the National Heritage Board of Singapore, Clarke Quay used to be a major commercial river terminal. The area used to be surrounded by five piers, which were all demolished in the 1950s.

5.The Oldest Surviving Building in Clarke Quay is the Trelawney

The most outstanding, oldest building surviving in Clarke Quay is the famous Trelawney, built in 1845. Built by Captain Clark, it was once the residence of Judge William Harper Trelawney, who passed away here. The building then served as a home for other colonial governors who took over the mantle and continued ruling.

7.Clarke Quay was Named After British Convict Francis Thomas Clarke

Clarke Quay used to be called Clark Quay because the area is named after Sir Andrew Clarke’s nephew, Francis Thomas Clarke. The young man was a British convict who sailed for Singapore after he had been convicted for stealing sovereigns from his employer.

He was given a pardon by the governor of Singapore in 1848 and became a respected businessman. He was known for producing the Clarke brand of Malay cigarettes, which were named after him.

6.Bugis and Kampong Java Roads Became the Early Shopping Streets of Clarke Quay

To date, many shops and businesses have developed along them, most of which are long gone, but some notable ones remain, such as Esso Stationers, Empire, Koh Tao Coffee Lounge, and Concorde Books.

Bugis Street was once the city’s central shopping destination, with many department stores, cinemas, and other famous landmarks. The cinema “The Times” was one of the first to showcase theatre and performing arts in Singapore. Unfortunately, it closed down in the late 1940s.

8.Clarke Quay is Home to the Singapore Art Museum

Clarke Quay is home to the Singapore Art Museum, which opened in 1996 and hosted several exhibitions of both local and international art. A promenade overlooking it is also home to various sculptures, including one by Anthony Gormley and two by Anish Kapoor.

The Esplanade, a cultural arts center that opened in 2002, is located on the other side of this promenade, at the mouth of the Singapore River.

9.Clarke Quay is Home to the Major Eugene Thacker Museum

The Major Eugene Thacker Museum is part of a library which Major Eugene Thacker started. He was an Englishman who arrived in Singapore in 1861 and became the British Resident who oversaw Malaya after the British took over. He established a library, which he named after his son’s name, Ethelbert Thacker.

It is home to over 20,000 books, and some of its rarest items include a first edition of the works of Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare’s ‘Richard III.’

10.The White House Hotel is a Popular Attraction in Clarke Quay

Hotel at Clarke Quay by Sengkang –Wikimedia Commons

Housing the historic Whitehouse Hotel, this colonial building has been visited by numerous famous personalities, including Queen Elizabeth II and former US vice-president Al Gore. It was built in 1869 and used to be the residence of Sir Augustus George Maxwell.

After his death, it became the official residence of Singapore’s first British governor, Sir John Anderson. The building was later converted into a hotel, which opened in 1910. The history of Clarke Quay is regarded as the most fascinating with all the hardships it has handled throughout the years.