The mention of Sir Stamford Raffles, perhaps what one may think of would be the founding of modern Singapore. Among his many ideas that included establishing Singapore as a free port and the conception of a town plan (i.e. Jackson Plan) to remodel Singapore into a modern city, did you know that he had also played a notable role in Singapore’s early education?
Not long after the establishment of a British settlement in Singapore, among Raffles' priorities included the establishment of an institution of higher learning. While its foundation stone was laid in 1823 by Raffles himself, the building along Bras Basah Road was only completed in 1837, and it operated as the Singapore Institution Free School. It was subsequently renamed to Singapore Institution, and later on Raffles Institution.
Fast forward to contemporary days, the school now resides in its Bishan premises, and celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2023. As with all schools in Singapore, being an education institution also meant it has played a pivotal role in nurturing the many generations of students, past and present, who included Singapore’s first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
With its extensive history spanning across two centuries, Raffles Institution is one of the oldest schools in Singapore. The National Archives of Singapore (NAS) was pleased to have received a deposit of 132 records from Raffles Institution in 2024. Here are just a few featured records among what's in the collection.
For more records relating to Raffles Institution or just any other archival records, please click here
References
1. "Singapore's First School", BiblioAsia, 18 January 2016
2. "Stamford Raffles's career and contributions to Singapore", Singapore Infopedia, 2019
Letters and documents
A letter from Sir Stamford Raffles to Johnston (Treasurer, Trustees), authorising the latter to act on his behalf and avail funds to push on with the establishment of the Institution
With this letter from Sir Stamford Raffles to the Treasurer of the Singapore Institution (later Raffles Institution), it showed Raffles' determination to minimise any potential challenges that could have obstructed the progress of setting up the school.
Date: 23/1/1824
Media Number: D2024050006 - 82_2024
A letter written by Sir Stamford Raffles to John Crawfurd (second British Resident of Singapore) regarding the founding of the Institution
Sir Stamford Raffles wanted to ensure the sum of 300 dollars a month was continued to be disbursed for the maintenance of school. He even took the personal responsibility to be held answerable to refund any amount that could have been disbursed but not confirmed by the Court of Directors.
Date: 23/1/1824
Media Number: D2024050006 - 162_2024
A printed letter from the Colonial Secretary to R.W. Hullett, Principal of Raffles Institution, about the concern of potentially having a building in front of the Institution
The Trustees had hoped that there would be no building constructed on the reclaimed land in front of the school, as they felt this would be "prejudicial to the interests of the school". They foresaw potential expansion of the school, which would require additional space. Even earlier, Sir Stamford Raffles had in view the importance of the "whole Institution ground being open to the sea".
Date: 2/7/1897
Media No: D2024050006 - 170_2024
A letter from William Maxwell, Colonial Secretary and ex officio Chairman of the Trustees of Raffles Institution, to an unknown recipient on raising the status of the Institution to a high school or college and the financial implications
To restore balance between income and expenditure, the Trustees looked at the option of increasing subscription list. This was a preferred option over increasing school fees, which would come with the implication of depriving "many poor children of any elementary education at all".
Date: c1870
Media No: D2024050006 - 165_2024
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A letter from Butterworth to the Trustees of the Singapore Institution, requesting the Institution to nominate its graduate to fill the post of Junior Clerk
A heartwarming document, written with the intent of creating a job opportunity for a graduate of the Institution. In today's context, it is not uncommon that we hear of "old boys" or "old girls" returning to one's alma mater to work. We could only guess that whoever the lucky "old boy" was who landed himself the job would probably be elated for the opportunity!
Date: 11/5/1848
Media No: D2024050006 - 110_2024
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A job application from Annie Murray to R.W. Hullett, Principal, dated 4 Jan 1901. It includes details of her resume
The position opened was that of an Assistant Mistress in Raffles Girls' School. The candidate who applied for the position was a 29 year-old female educator who graduated with a Bachelors Degree (Honours) in Modern Literature from the Royal University of Ireland. Armed with teaching experience in a girls' school in Yorkshire, she was hoping to have a job in Singapore, where some of her friends were already here.
Date: 4/1/1901
Media No: D2024050006 - 184_2024