This print (aquatint) shows one of two views (see 2009-01625) of the Singapore River by the artist aboard French corvette ‘La Favorite’. Looking up the river from South Boat Quay, it shows Jackson’s Bridge, the first bridge that connected North and South Bridge Roads and provided access to Chinatown. It was constructed of wood in 1823 by Lieutenant Philip Jackson, who was involved in the construction of the early roads and the filling in of the swampy area of the south bank of the Singapore River. The central portion of the bridge could be raised to allow vessels to pass upstream. The quay on the south bank was built up as far as the bridge, following the guidelines in the Raffles’ Town Plan. The Governor’s House on Government Hill is also depicted with its flagstaff.
