The former name of Temple Street is Almeida Street and it was named after Joaqium d’Almeida. He was a Portuguese merchant who stopped at Singapore and purchased a large piece of land at the junction of Temple Street and Trengganu Street, and a portion of which was later named Almeida Street.
Why was it renamed as Temple Street? Any other names?
In 1908, the street was renamed as Temple Street, in honour of Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, which is located at the South Bridge Road end of the street.
The Chinese name for this street, hei yuen hau jie or "theatre back street", refers to the Lai Chun Yuen Chinese Theatre in Smith Street. It was a major landmark of Chinatown since 1880s until it was destroyed by a bomb during World War II.
What was traditionally found on this street?
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.
