1825 - 1873 Convict Labourers

Summary

The Singapore Management University's site once housed the Bras Basah Convict Jail from 1860 to 1873. Built by convicts, it reflects British penal transportation practices within the Empire. Convicts contributed to Singapore's infrastructure, including roads and buildings like the Cavanaugh Bridge and the Istana. By 1873, the system ended, with some convicts settling in Singapore, integrating into the community and leaving a lasting legacy in the city's development.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Singapore Management University stands on the site of a former convict jail, which operated between 1860 and 1873.
• 👷 The Brass Posada convict jail was constructed by the convicts themselves, illustrating a unique form of self-imposed punishment.
• 🇬🇧 Penal transportation was introduced by the British in the late 18th century as a new form of punishment, exiling prisoners overseas within the empire.
• 🌏 Convicts were transported to build up colonies in various locations, including Penang, Bencoolen, and Australia.
• 🔑 In Singapore, well-behaved convicts were granted more freedom, with some even finding employment as messengers or household help.
• 🛠️ Convicts in Singapore worked on public projects, including the construction of roads and buildings, with shackles in some cases.
• 🛤️ Many of Singapore's roads and the Cavenagh Bridge were originally built by convict labor, showcasing their contribution to the city's infrastructure.
• 🏢 The Istana, a significant building in Singapore, was also constructed by convict laborers, highlighting their role in shaping the city's architecture.
• 📉 The convict labor system in Singapore lasted for about half a century, coming to an end in 1873 with the cessation of penal transportation to the island.
• 🚢 Convicts who remained after the system ended had various fates, with some sent to other colonies, some returning to India, and others choosing to settle in Singapore.
• 💍 Some convicts who settled in Singapore married local women, started families, and integrated into the local community, intertwining their history with Singapore's.

Q & A

What was located on the site of the Singapore Management University before it was built?

Before the Singapore Management University was built, the site was home to the Bras Basah convict jail.

Who constructed the Bras Basah convict jail?

The Bras Basah convict jail was built by the convicts themselves.

Why were convicts sent to Singapore in the late 18th century?

Convicts were sent to Singapore as part of the British practice of penal transportation, which involved exiling prisoners overseas within the Empire as a form of punishment.

What types of work did well-behaved convicts do in Singapore?

Well-behaved convicts in Singapore were allowed more freedom and could find employment as messengers and household help.

What type of labor did other classes of convicts perform in Singapore?

Other classes of convicts worked in shackles on public works, including the construction of roads and buildings.

Can you name some notable projects built by convicts in Singapore?

Notable projects built by convicts in Singapore include many of the roads, the Cavanaugh Bridge, and the Istana.

How long did the convict labor system last in Singapore?

The convict labor system in Singapore lasted for about half a century.

When did penal transportation to Singapore cease?

Penal transportation to Singapore ceased in 1873.

What happened to the convicts after penal transportation ceased in Singapore?

After penal transportation ceased, some convicts were sent to other colonies or penal complexes, some returned to India, and some chose to settle in Singapore, marry local women, start families, and merge into the local community.

What reputation did convict laborers gain in Singapore?

Convict laborers in Singapore gained a reputation for being hardworking and contributed significantly to the development of early Singapore.