Queen Street, George Town

Lebuh Queen

Queen Street or Lebuh Queen is one of the roads within the Original Grid of George Town as laid out by Captain Francis Light. It was named after Queen Charlotte (1761-1818), the wife of King George III.

Queen Street (12 November 2008)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

Today Queen Street has a predominantly Hindu character. The main place of interest here is the Arulmigu Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.

Queen Street has all along been an enclave for the working-class Indians. In the early days, the street was known as Gedung Rumput in Malay, meaning "grass warehouse", in reference to the barns used in storing hay to feed the cattle.

Queen Street Location Map

The Hokkiens referred to Queen Street as Chap Jee Keng Choo, meaning "twelve (shop)houses", in reference to twelve identical shophouses located here.

The Opium & Spirit Farm Offices were built here in 1906, and was occupied for many decades by Star Publications.