Francis Light Memorial, Colonial memorial structure in George Town, Malaysia.
The Francis Light Memorial is a colonial monument in George Town featuring a domed pavilion with decorative vases situated in front of St. George's Church on Farquhar Street. A marble plaque on the structure records Light's role as the governor and founder of the British settlement.
The monument was constructed in the early 1840s by Robert Scott to honor Francis Light, who established Penang as a British settlement in 1786. Its construction occurred decades after Light's death and marked the growing recognition of his role in colonial expansion.
The memorial displays Georgian and Palladian design elements that reflect how British colonial ideas shaped local architecture. Visitors can observe these European influences in the decorative details and structure of the pavilion.
The memorial is located on the grounds of St. George's Church on Farquhar Street, a site easily explored on foot. The pavilion is visible from outside and offers a good opportunity to read the inscription on the marble plaque.
The monument stands at the spot where Francis Light first landed on Penang Island in 1786, marking the beginning of British presence in the region. This historic starting point makes it more than just a memorial but a tangible link to a turning point in local history.
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