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Lone Guard


Lone Guard
Photo Information
Copyright: Steven Yong (Across_Asia) Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 13 W: 0 N: 63] (278)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-04
Categories: Ruins
Camera: Panasonic Lumix FZ20
Exposure: f/4, 1/160 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-05-11 20:15
Viewed: 438
Points: 6
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This is one of two brass canons placed at the front of the A’Formosa ruins. Not sure whether it is of Dutch or British origin. (In the aftermath of the French Revolution, the French Republic invaded the Netherlands in 1791. Fearing Napoleon would gain control of Malacca, the Dutch government-in-exile requested Britain to administer Malacca. In 1824 the Dutch formally handed Malacca to Britain.)

Porta de Santiago (or A’Famosa as it is popularly called today) was once a massive fortification structure built by the Portuguese. It encircled the base of St Paul's Hill to protect the then governor's residence, bishop's residence, churches, schools, etc. The Dutch destroyed most of the structure when it invaded Malacca in 1641. Today, the only remnant left is an entrance gate (of the original four gateways) located on the south side of St Paul’s Hill.

Remnants of the fort’s wall can be seen along the riverside, interspersed between the modern buildings. The trishaw-man, who acts as a tour guide, will point them out to you during your ride. In fact, museum staff are now painstakingly excavating historical artefacts at a site beside a wall ruin by the riverbank, near the Bandar Hilir police station.

Postscript – It is said that when the fleet of the Dutch East Indies Company or the Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) invaded Malacca, they unsuccessfully shelled the fortified city with some 18,000 cannonballs. In the end, they barricaded the walled city to block food supplies. More than 7,000 people died of starvation and diseases as a result of the blockade.
fannyloh, ribeiroantonio, alti has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Steven,
A Famosa never looks this great! Nice capture and interesting composition. This shot will work well to promote this place! Informative notes.

It is always great to see the Portuguese heritage shown here on TE. Your photo is quite interesting even if it is a bit too tightly cropped. The note is very info and I am very pleased you did not forget to mention the Portuguese presence in Malacca. Well done.
Antonio

  • Great 
  • alti Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 43 W: 0 N: 19] (496)
  • [2007-05-13 10:38]

Salut Steven,

Tres belle photo. Merci pour ce voyage.
Pierre

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