The Istana stands proudly as the official residence of the President of the Republic of Singapore
. Previously known as Government House it was in years past the residence of the British Governor.
The first Government House was created by Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore. This early building was nothing more than a wooden structure with a thatch roof. This building looked so fragile that locals feared that it would be blown away in stormy weather.
In later years Governor Harry Ord decreed that a suitable plot of land be acquired for the construction of a Government House that would project the status and grandeur attributed to Britain as the colonial master.
After the acquisition of a piece of land in a location that would command attention, work on the new Government House began. The blueprints for this building were drawn up by accomplished architect J. F. A. McNair, who envisaged an elegantly proportioned structure in the form of a cross. The main architectural motifs were Doric and Ionic styles incorporating Corinthian pillars and a slated roof. Plaster formed from cement, powdered granite and white sand was used extensively.
During World War II in February 1941 the Battle for Singapore erupted and Government House was struck by Japanese bombing and artillery fire. Governor Sir Shenton Thomas and his wife were compelled to seek refuge in the Singapore Club. Interestingly the Union Jack that fluttered proudly on the grounds was taken down and hidden; after the Japanese surrender it was hoisted again.
The Istana complex is opened to the public on select holidays, when members of the public may take a stroll on the expansive grounds of the Istana.
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