The Padang

Construction works at the Padang site getting ready for the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix

The Padang, which means "flat field" in Malay, was originally referred as the Plain. It changed its name in 1906. Sir Stamford Raffles first landed in Singapore in 1819 and thereafter a British flag was raised here. The Padang was chosen by Raffles and was included in his town plan. Henceforth, the Padang represents the essence of colonial Singapore.

Since then, this recreational area become a popular venue for sports, such as rugby, cricket and football. Thus till today, the Padang has remained the site of the Singapore Recreation Club (SRC) and the Singapore Cricket Club (SCC). Between the two clubs, there once stood a temporary home belonging to William Farquhar.

Singapore's National Day Parades are often held at the Padang. The first parade was on 9 August 1968, which most Singaporeans would have fondly recounted it as "the day it rained on our parade".

Source: National Archives of Singapore