Palmer Road Wang Hai Da Bo Gong Archaeology Dig

Posted by shien under Heritage Sites and Trails
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In January 2006, an archaeological dig was carried out at the Wang Hai Da Bo Gong Temple, Palmer Road.

The Archaeology team seeks divine permission to begin excavation work.

The present site of Foot Tet Soo Khek Temple on Palmer Road, sits at the foot of remnants of Mount Palmer where a former colonial military fortification (Fort Palmer c.1859-1915) was once sited. The temple is believed to be one of the earliest Chinese immigrant temples established in Singapore and is certainly the oldest Hakka institution on the island. Unverified anecdotal accounts claim the temple to pre-date the arrival of Raffles. The existing structure dates back to the mid 19th century, and the earliest known record of the temple was depicted in a 1844 map as a “Joss House”.

The site report (including pictures) for the dig can be found at:

http://www.seaarchaeology.com/v1/html/sg/palmer.htm