Raffles' Letters: Intrigues behind the Founding of Singapore

A few weekends ago my husband and I decided to go along to the National Library and view the exhibition currently on display, of some of Sir Stamford Raffles' letters.  I hadn't actually been to the library before but it looks like a place that is worth further exploration at some point.  On this day, however, we just focused on viewing Raffles' letters.


There are twenty letters on display until 28 February 2013 and admission to the exhibition is free.  The letters all date from 1819 and reveal much about the beginnings of Singapore.  The exhibition includes several letters that have been loaned from The Bute Collection in Scotland.  These letters came from the private papers of the 1st Marquess of Hastings who was a supporter of Raffles in establishing a British settlement in the East Indies.

As well as the letters the exhibition also includes a number of maps and paintings of Singapore (and other nearby places) from around this time period.  Including a replica of what is thought to be the first map of an emerging Singapore dating from 1820.

To view it yourself a morning or afternoon would most likely be sufficient.  There are also organised public talks in collaboration with the Singapore Heritage Society as well as curator tours and guided tours.  Take a look at the library website for further details of when these are happening if you are interested.

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