British Empire Article


Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles


Raffles's most enduring monument was Singapore, which secured British supremacy in the eastern seas for more than a century and represented a triumph for the principles of free trade and laissez-faire economics. A statue to Raffles was first installed in Singapore in 1885 to celebrate Queen Victoria's golden jubilee. However, it was torn down during the Japanese occupation but restored after the Second World War. Not only did it survive independence, but the republic of Singapore was unique among liberated colonies in erecting a second monument to honour the foresight of its imperial founder.

The painting was by George Francis Joseph and was completed in 1817. It hangs in the National Portrait Gallery.


Colonialism and Empires Article | Story of Singapore Article


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by Stephen
Luscombe