New signs point to a thriving Kampong Glam 200 years ago

Dig puts to rest narrative of Singapore's beginnings as sleepy fishing village, experts say

Above, from left: A fishing weight, a copper spoon and part of an earthenware stove are among the artefacts unearthed in May. Left: Archaeologist Lim Chen Sian (in white) sorting the artefacts from the dig at Kampong Glam.
Archaeologist Lim Chen Sian (in white) sorting the artefacts from the dig at Kampong Glam. ST PHOTOS: KELVIN CHNG
Above, from left: A fishing weight, a copper spoon and part of an earthenware stove are among the artefacts unearthed in May. Left: Archaeologist Lim Chen Sian (in white) sorting the artefacts from the dig at Kampong Glam.
A fishing weight (above), a copper spoon and part of an earthenware stove are among the artefacts unearthed in May. ST PHOTOS: KELVIN CHNG
Above, from left: A fishing weight, a copper spoon and part of an earthenware stove are among the artefacts unearthed in May. Left: Archaeologist Lim Chen Sian (in white) sorting the artefacts from the dig at Kampong Glam.
A fishing weight, a copper spoon (above) and part of an earthenware stove are among the artefacts unearthed in May. ST PHOTOS: KELVIN CHNG
Above, from left: A fishing weight, a copper spoon and part of an earthenware stove are among the artefacts unearthed in May. Left: Archaeologist Lim Chen Sian (in white) sorting the artefacts from the dig at Kampong Glam.
A fishing weight, a copper spoon and part of an earthenware stove (above) are among the artefacts unearthed in May. ST PHOTOS: KELVIN CHNG
Melody Zaccheus
Housing and Heritage Correspondent
Updated
Jul 09, 2018, 11:10 AM
Published
Jul 09, 2018, 05:00 AM
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Today's Kampong Glam is a thriving place, with worshippers at the Sultan Mosque, and locals and tourists shopping or enjoying a meal at the Middle Eastern eateries in the area.

The conserved district was also flourishing some 200 years ago.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 09, 2018, with the headline New signs point to a thriving Kampong Glam 200 years ago. Subscribe

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