José d'Almeida's tomb at Fort Canning Old Cemetery
The official name for Temple Street was formerly Almeida Street after Joaqium d'Almeida, son of José d'Almeida, who owned some land in this area at the junction of Temple Street and Trengganu Street. In 1825, José d'Almeida, a Portuguese physician and trader, opened a clinic and a shop here and made his fortune by trading in Portuguese and Chinese goods.
In 1908, the MunicipalCommissioners changed its name to Temple Street to avoid confusion with other streets in Singapore that were also named after D'Almeida.
Temple Street, Singapore, shophouses
The street name Temple refers to the Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, which is located at the South Bridge Road end of the street. It was established in 1827 by Narayana Pillay, who came from Penang in the company of Stamford Raffles during the latter's second visit to Singapore in May 1819. Pillay's original business was destroyed by fire but with help from Raffles, he was soon back to his feet and moved to Commercial Square (now Raffles Place). As an act of piety and gratitude, Pillay built the temple using wood and attap. This structure was replaced by one of brick and plaster in 1843 and has been repaired and renovated several times since then.
Temple Street was home to many Teochew traders who sold Chinaware and household items. There were also itinerant tinsmiths and metalware workshops as well as blacksmiths making horseshoes.
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