Cavenagh Bridge, Singapore
Copyright © Timothy Tye.
Cavenagh Bridge
Cavenagh Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in Singapore. It spans the Singapore River, connecting Empress Place on the north bank to Fullerton Square on the south. Cavenagh Bridge was opened in 1870 in conjunction with the celebration of Singapore becoming a Crown colony (this came about with the abolishment of the British East India Company). It remains as the oldest bridge in Singapore in its original form.
When it was first built, Cavenagh Bridge was named the Edinburgh Bridge, to commemorate the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh. The name was later changed in honour of Major General William Oefeur Cavenagh (1820 - 1891), the last Governor of the Straits Settlements to be appointed directly from India. Cavenagh was governor from 1859 to 1867. The Cavenagh family coat of arms is still displayed at both ends of the bridge.
Cavenagh Bridge was built to make it easier to cross the Singapore River. Otherwise, the other options were to either make a long detour via Elgin Bridge further upriver, or take a boat across. When Cavenagh Bridge was first opened, it was used by vehicular traffic such as rickshaws and bullock carts.
Eventually, the traffic across Cavenagh Bridge increased so much that another bridge had to be built within the immediate vicinity. Anderson Bridge was constructed to take the load off Cavenagh Bridge, which thereafter was used only for pedestrian crossing.
Befitting its role as a heritage structure, the Cavenagh Bridge was restored and beautified. Light fixtures were added in the 1990s to enhance its architectural beauty. Around the bridge are several sculptures including those of the Singapura cats, or kucinta, regarded as one of the smallest breeds of cats in the world.
