Sir Stamford Raffles' Landing Site

Sir Stamford Raffles' Landing Site

Introduction

The bronze statue of Sir Stamford Raffles is located at North Boat Quay by the Singapore River, the site of his landing. The statue commemorates Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore. At the age of 38, Sir Stamford Raffles discovered Singapore, which rapidly grew into Asia’s first free port under his influence of free trade ideals. Sir Stamford Raffles referred to Singapore as “my child,” while Singaporeans respectfully call him the “Founding Father.” His legacy can be seen throughout the city — Raffles Girls’ School, Raffles Hospital, Raffles Hotel, Stamford House, Stamford Road, Raffles Road, Raffles Place, and even the Raffles Class on Singapore Airlines.    The statue of Sir Stamford Raffles was designed by the renowned British sculptor and poet John Turnbull Thomson. Originally, it stood on the lawn between Saint Andrew’s Road and Connaught Drive, facing the sea. On 6 February 1919, during the centennial celebration of Singapore’s founding, the statue was relocated to its current position in front of the Victoria Memorial Hall. The stone base of the Sir Stamford Raffles memorial statue features a semi-circular colonnade backdrop, along with flower beds inspired by the Italian Renaissance style, and two large vases placed beside the fountain in front of the statue.    Transportation

MRT: NS Line or EW Line, Raffles Place Station (Stamford Raffles), Station Numbers NS26 & EW14.

 Singapore, Singapore