Historical > The Old Courthouse, Kuching (Before & After Series).

The Old Courthouse.

Soon after Charles Brooke proclaimed as the 2nd Rajah of Sarawak in 1868, he started building the Courthouse for the administration of the Government of Sarawak.

The building has been completed within 6 years of construction and officiated by William Henry Rodway in 1874. The Clock Tower at the center of the entrance was added in 1883. In 1924, the memorial for Charles Brooke was constructed at the entrance square. This building was the administrative center of Sarawak Government from 1878 until 1973. The building then converted into Sarawak Tourism Complex in 2003.

There is some rare information saying that the 0 Mile of Sarawak marker is located at the center of the court yard.

In these Before & After Series, I will try my best to reshoot old photos based on the original direction.


View 1:



Old Courthouse, Kuching pre-1931
Photo Credit: https://wellcomecollection.org

Above picture: Picture taken facing True North, from the Round Tower. I believe the above picture was taken before 1931 where during that time the Courthouse consist of only 5 unit of buildings. The road was the interconnection between Carpenter Street to India Street.


View 2:



Old Courthouse, Kuching, 1951

Old Courthouse, Kuching, January 2020
Photo by: Hafiz M
Olympus TG-4

View 3:



Old Courthouse, Kuching, 1964
Photo by: Brian Houldershaw

Old Courthouse, Kuching, January 2020
Photo by: Hafiz M
Olympus TG-4

Above picture: The large tree on the left probably the same tree featured in the 1964 photo. If it is true, meaning the tree already 56 years old.


View 4:




Old Courthouse, Kuching, 1995
Photo by: Brian Houldershaw