The History of Fort Carnarvon, Taiping
The History of Fort Carnarvon, Taiping
Fort Carnarvon, a historic fort located in Taiping, was built between 1880 and 1885. Its construction was a direct response to the massive riots that broke out on October 3, 1879, involving thousands of the town's residents. The tragedy resulted in the deaths of 28 rioters, injuries to two police officers, and many others wounded.
Recognizing the need to improve security, the British administration at the time built the Central Police Station (now the Clock Tower) in 1881, followed by the construction of Fort Carnarvon. The fort was equipped with artillery emplacements facing the main mining areas of Taiping, which are now known as the Taiping Lake Gardens.
From its position, the fort could monitor a large part of the town and its surrounding areas, extending to the coastal area of Port Weld (now known as Kuala Sepetang).
Fort Carnarvon served as an artillery fort, with military barracks located opposite it, near the church. Both the fort and the barracks are still in use today by the 9th Battalion, Royal Ranger Regiment. The fort once served as a storage site for cannons belonging to the Perak Sikhs, also known as the Malay States Guides, and was used for storing weapons and firing cannons during celebrations.
The name Fort Carnarvon was taken from the title of the Earl of Carnarvon, the British Secretary of State for the Colonies (1874-1878). Although some sources claim the fort was built in 1870, a report from the Singapore Daily Times dated February 16, 1881, stated that its construction was still ongoing. Additionally, the Straits Times Weekly Issue dated October 20, 1883, mentioned that convict labor from Taiping Prison was used to build the embankments of Fort Carnarvon.
Overall, Fort Carnarvon is one of the important historical landmarks in Taiping, illustrating past events and the security measures taken to maintain peace in the town.
References:
- Taiping.my
- FB - Khazairi Kheri
- FB - Irwan Al Selabaki
