Saint Andrew's Cathedral, Singapore
Saint Andrew's Cathedral in Singapore, the largest of its kind in the country, is an example of Neo-Gothic architecture, notable for its distinctive Madras chunam finish. In 1822, Sir Stamford Raffles allocated this land for an Anglican church, but construction didn't start until 1835 when funds were finally secured. It was named Saint Andrew in honor of the Scottish contributors.
The initial church was designed in the Neo-Classical style by George Drumgoole Coleman. After some criticism that it resembled a "Town Hall, a College, or an Assembly Room," a spire was added in 1842. Unfortunately, this spire lacked a lightning conductor, and as a result, the church experienced two lightning strikes in 1845 and 1849. After these incidents, it was considered unsafe, resulting in its closure in 1852 and demolition three years later.
The construction of a second church was initiated by William Butterworth, the Governor of the Straits Settlements at the time. The design was entrusted to Colonel Ronald MacPherson. MacPherson created a Gothic Revival cathedral, reportedly drawing inspiration from Netley Abbey, a 13th-century church ruin in Hampshire, England. The piers in Saint Andrew's nave closely resemble those that survived at Netley.
In the apse, three stained glass windows honor key figures in Singapore's colonial history: Sir Stamford Raffles in the center, John Crawfurd on the left, and Major General William Butterworth on the right. The cathedral also showcases its ties to the Anglican Communion and the See of Canterbury through three items: the Canterbury Stone with a replica of the Canterbury Cross, the Coventry Cross made from salvaged nails from Coventry Cathedral, and the Coronation Carpet used during Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in Westminster Abbey.
During the Japanese invasion, Saint Andrew's Cathedral served as an emergency hospital, and since 1973, it has held the status of a National Monument of great significance in Singapore.
The initial church was designed in the Neo-Classical style by George Drumgoole Coleman. After some criticism that it resembled a "Town Hall, a College, or an Assembly Room," a spire was added in 1842. Unfortunately, this spire lacked a lightning conductor, and as a result, the church experienced two lightning strikes in 1845 and 1849. After these incidents, it was considered unsafe, resulting in its closure in 1852 and demolition three years later.
The construction of a second church was initiated by William Butterworth, the Governor of the Straits Settlements at the time. The design was entrusted to Colonel Ronald MacPherson. MacPherson created a Gothic Revival cathedral, reportedly drawing inspiration from Netley Abbey, a 13th-century church ruin in Hampshire, England. The piers in Saint Andrew's nave closely resemble those that survived at Netley.
In the apse, three stained glass windows honor key figures in Singapore's colonial history: Sir Stamford Raffles in the center, John Crawfurd on the left, and Major General William Butterworth on the right. The cathedral also showcases its ties to the Anglican Communion and the See of Canterbury through three items: the Canterbury Stone with a replica of the Canterbury Cross, the Coventry Cross made from salvaged nails from Coventry Cathedral, and the Coronation Carpet used during Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in Westminster Abbey.
During the Japanese invasion, Saint Andrew's Cathedral served as an emergency hospital, and since 1973, it has held the status of a National Monument of great significance in Singapore.
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Saint Andrew's Cathedral on Map
Sight Name: Saint Andrew's Cathedral
Sight Location: Singapore, Singapore (See walking tours in Singapore)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Singapore, Singapore (See walking tours in Singapore)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Singapore, Singapore
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