Presentment Bridge, the first named footbridge over the Singapore River, was located where Elgin Bridge now stands. It replaced an unnamed narrow, wooden footbridge built in 1819, the first bridge over the Singapore River. The Presentment Bridge was the only crossing on the Singapore River until Coleman Bridge was erected in 1840 over another section of the Singapore River.
The Presentment Bridge, also known as Monkey Bridge was built in November 1822 under the direction of Lieutenant Philip Jackson. Because of its narrowness, a ferry service (dhonis) was set up to allow for more people to cross the River. The Presentment Bridge linked North Bridge Road and South Bridge Road after 1833 upon the completion of these roads by George Coleman.
The Presentment Bridge remained the only bridge across the Singapore River until 1940 when the Coleman Bridge made of brick was built. The next bridge at this location was the Elgin Bridge was named after a former Viceroy of India, Lord Elgin. It underwent reconstruction three times with the present Elgin Bridge being built in 1925.
Author
Vernon Cornelius
References
Cheong, C. (1992). Framework and foundation: A history of the Public Works Department (p. 50). Singapore: Times Edition.
(Call no.: SING 354.5957008609)
Edwards, N., & Keys, P. (1988). Singapore: A guide to buildings, streets, places (pp. 493, 495). Singapore: Times Books International.
(RSING 915.957 EDW)
Tyers, R. K. (1993). Ray Tyers' Singapore: Then and now (pp. 7-8). Singapore: Landmark Books.
(Call no.: RSING 959.57 TYE)
The information in this article is valid as at 1999 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.
