The Residency, Penang
| The Residency | |
|---|---|
Seri Mutiara | |
 | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Official residence |
| Address | Western Road, George Town, Penang, Malaysia |
| Town or city | George Town |
| Country | Malaysia |
| Coordinates | 5°24′57″N 100°18′25″E / 5.41593°N 100.3069°E |
| Current tenants | Governor of Penang |
| Completed | 1890 |
| Cost | $81,173 |
| Owner | Penang state government |
| Grounds | 8.4 ha (21 acres) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Maurice Cameron |
The Residency, officially Seri Mutiara, is the official residence of the Governor of Penang. Located at Western Road within downtown George Town, it was originally built in 1890 by British engineer Maurice Cameron as the residence for the British governor of Penang. Following Malaya's independence in 1957, the mansion has continued to serve as the residence for the head of state of Penang.
History
[edit]
Prior to the construction of The Residency, Suffolk House was the official residence of the British governor of Penang.[1] In 1886, during a visit to George Town, Straits Settlements Governor Frederick Weld participated in the selection of the site for the new Residency.[2] The eventual site of the mansion encompasses an area of 8.4 ha (21 acres), bounded by Western, York and Ross roads.[3]
Designed by British engineer Maurice Cameron, The Residency was completed in 1890.[1][4][5] The original construction cost of the mansion was $48,000 (Straits dollar), but the final cost rose to $81,173 due to additional furnishings and electrification.[3][6] Its architecture incorporates elements from contemporary buildings of the time, including a central tetrastyle portico and pediment reminiscent of the Town Hall. The verandah extends to the sides with a connection to the garden, similar to the Madras Garden House in India. The roof is concealed by a balustraded roofline.[3] The first occupant of The Residency was Allan Maclean Skinner, the Resident Councillor of Penang and the highest-ranking British officer in the settlement.[6]
Following the independence of Malaya in 1957, The Residency was renamed Seri Mutiara and retains its function as the official residence of Penang's head of state.[1] Before Malaya gained independence, the mansion was accessible to visitors who were required to sign a guestbook at the entrance booth. However, since independence, access to Seri Mutiara has been restricted and the entrance booth has been replaced by a guardhouse.[3]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c Gray, George (2024). An Introduction to the History of Southeast Asian Architecture. Sunway University. ISBN 9786297646145.
- ^ "Visit of H. E. the Governor to Penang". The Straits Times. 2 Sep 1886. p. 7. Retrieved 23 Apr 2025 – via National Library Board.
- ^ a b c d Wong, Chin Hooi (4 Oct 1993). "Imposing Seri Mutiara, the pride of Penang". New Straits Times. p. 30. Retrieved 23 Apr 2025.
- ^ Zhao, Long (2 December 2018). "The Townscape Evolution of Historic Port Settlement of George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia" (PDF). University of Putra Malaysia. 11. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 December 2023. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
- ^ Khoo, Salma Nasution (2007). Streets of George Town, Penang. Areca Books. ISBN 9789839886009.
- ^ a b Opalyn Mok (3 Oct 2018). "Penang rep moots making governor's residence a tourist attraction". Malay Mail. Retrieved 23 Apr 2025.
