Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalof606319111912roya).pdf/307

 The Old Cemetery on Fort Canning, on Fort Canning, Singapore.

This register of tombs in the Old Cemetery on Fort Canning was compiled by order of Government on the suggestion of Mr. C. B. Buckley who, in bis "Anecdotal History of Singapore" mentions. the loss of the register and suggests that a new one should be com- piled.

No trace of the old register—for it must be assumed some such record existed—can be found, and it has therefore been considered desirable to make as complete a record as possible of the names of those old residents and visitors whose remains have found a resting place in this sacred spot.

The Cemetery stands on the slope of Fort Canning Hill, and is approached from the South by Fort Canning Road, through a gateway designed partly in the Gothic style of Architecture. It was opened in 1822 to take the place of the first Christian Cemetery which was situated close to where the flag-staff at Fort Canning now stands. It was closed when the Cemetery in Bukit Timah Road was opened in 1865.

The Southern half of the ground was allocated to Members of the Anglican community, and the Northern half to those of other Christian denominations, the dividing line being marked by a wall. The grounds are kept in order by the Public Works Depart- ment, and, apart from any interest in the place as a graveyard, the beautiful shaded walk offers an attraction to those who appreciate quiet, contemplative surroundings.

To those who fool an interest in Singapore and its history, few places in the Settlement offer so much of interest. Many old resi- dents lie buried here, and many tombstones testify to the number of lives sacrificed by members of the Civil Service, who were called to rest at a very early age, whilst taking their share in the adminis- tration of this Settlement, of which we are all so proud. The Uni- ted Services also yield their quota of names, unfortunately, some well-known, if not illustrious, in the annals of their country.

The oldest tomb discovered is that dated 1821, erected to the memory of John C. Collingwood of the ship "Susan" A 30. It is surmised that this stone was taken from the old original Ceme- tery and re-erected here, as this Cemetery was not opened until 1822. The latest discovered is dated 1868, erected to the memory of Marie Dominica Scott, (B 229) a child of only two years of age, and the interment presumably took place after the Cemetery was closed in 1865, as the parents were possibly interred here.