ANN SIANG HILL

What was on Ann Siang Hill in the early days?
What was the first name of the hill?
Who is Ann Siang Hill named after?
What kinds of businesses were traditionally located here?



We finally made our way to Ann Siang Hill while devouring on the Melon Crisp pastry we bought earlier from the Tong Heng’s pastry shop. The streets along Ann Siang Hill were pretty steep. Unlike other parts of Chinatown, the shophouses on Ann Siang Hill did not seem to have a definite layout, but instead they follow the rising contours of the ground. We observed that the steps are an important feature along the walkways. They appear to be steeper and narrower than those found elsewhere! One can imagine us struggling to get our way uphill under the scorching sun.

We got more information about Ann Siang Hill from the boards mounted onto the walls. Ann Siang Hill was originally known as Scott’s Hill after its owner, Charles Scott. He cultivated cloves and nutmegs! However it was not a successful business as the required resources were not sufficient to sustain the plantation. Hence when Charles Scott died, his family sold off the land to Chia Ann Siang, a well – to – do Malacca – born landowner.

The street was later named after him. (More information found, see below)