The Old Courthouse, Kuching

The Old Courthouse (1 October, 2004)


The Old Courthouse (GPS: 1.55966, 110.34498) is a heritage building near the Kuching waterfront. It was built by Sir Charles Brooke, the second Rajah of Sarawak, in 1883. It was built of ironwood and embellished with Sarawak motif. At the time of its construction, it was intended as government offices and venue for state ceremonies. The Sarawak state council meetings were held here between until 1973.

The site of The Old Courthouse originally belonged to a missionary house. The structure was torn down in 1858. In its place were two other buildings, which were also demolished to make way for the Court House. A historical event took place here on 1 July, 1946, when Sir James Brooke, the third White Rajah, ceded Sarawak to Britain as a crown colony. Sarawak's first chief minister, Sir Stephen Kalong Ningkan, was also sworn in here, on 22 July, 1963.

Owing to its heritage value, the Sarawak Courthouse is today used as a tourist centre.

The Old Courthouse on Google Street View

(May 2015)

The Old Courthouse is on the Map of Kuching

List of Historic Buildings in Kuching, Historic Buildings in Sarawak and Historic Buildings in Malaysia

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