BENCOOLEN means BENGKULU

BENCOOLEN means BENGKULU




The numerous changes in the composition of the Bencoolen garrison, also known as the Fort Marlborough establishment, are dealt with in detail. The fortifications built by the Company: York Fort and Fort Marlborough at Bencoolen and Fort Anne (sometimes referred to as Fort Anna) at Moco Moco (Mukomuko), are all dealt with giving accounts of the building and re-building programmes.

The numerous minor skirmishes with hostile local inhabitants at the outstations are recorded. The ignominious evacuation of Bencoolen and Fort Marlborough in 1719, which was entirely brought about by the inept handling by the Company's senior civil officers of the local rulers and their subjects in the desire to acquire more pepper for the European market, is covered from contemporary documents.

The shameful capitulation of the Fort Marlborough garrison to a French expeditionary force in 1760 is dealt with, as are the subsequent attacks on the British trading posts by both the French and Dutch. The list of casualties during the French occupation is given in detail.

The murder of Resident Thomas Parr at Bencoolen is recorded, as are the effects that his death had on the relationship between the local rulers and the Company's servants. The story continues with the enlighted Governorship of Sir Stamford Raffles and his attempts to bring harmony between the Rajahs and their subjects and the East India Company's servants.

It was the British power seat and influence in these western parts of the Bencoolen until 1825, when under the terms of the London Treaty, England handed over the Dutch territory in exchange for others, ended 139 years of British power in Bengkulu. According to treaty, British got Singapore and Malaysia.


The British Colonial Influence: Hotel Bencoolen and Bencoolen Street Singapore