Protestant Cemetery

Protestant Cemetery (23 February 2009)


The Protestant Cemetery (GPS: 5.42283, 100.33345) at Northam Road (Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah) is the oldest Christian cemetery in Penang. It holds some of the oldest graves on the island (though not necessarily the oldest, as there may be unnamed Muslim graves, especially along Sungai Pinang which are older than the British settlement itself).

The Protestant Cemetery was created to bury the early administrators, European traders as well as missionaries who arrived following the establishment of the British colony by Captain Francis Light in 1786.

Francis Light's grave, as well as that of his business partner James Scott, are also in the cemetery, along with some members of the Scott family. Also buried there are many of the early governors of Penang, many of whom succumbed to tropical diseases such as malaria.

The Protestant Cemetery is on the Map of Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Penang

Protestant Cemetery (23 February 2009)


At the time the Protestant Cemetery was created, the area was at the edge of town. It was surrounded by vegetable plots and paddy fields. Over time, these farm lands gave way to village houses (early 19th century) which in turn were replaced by brick houses (late 19th century). Today it is right within George Town itself, as the city has expanded far beyond its original boundaries.

The Protestant Cemetery was used until the late 19th century, when the Western Road Cemetery was created on a bigger piece of land, and new burials were carried out there. Since then, the Protestant Cemetery ceased to accept new burials. However it is today recognised for its historic value as the final resting place of the early founders and administrators of the colonial settlement and trading post of George Town.

Protestant Cemetery (23 February 2009)

Tombs at the Protestant Cemetery

Most of the graves at the Protestant Cemetery are built as squarish tombs. The following are tombs that I have been able to identify.

Also buried there are the following persons, whose tombs I have not yet identified.


Protestant Cemetery (23 February 2009)

Updates

10 November, 2014
StarMetro reports that the Protestant Cemetery is closed to the public for a RM230,000 upgrading project and is scheduled to reopen on 11 December, 2014. The project involves repair to the main gates, work on the pedestrian walkway and levelling of the ground, the supply of benches, the installation of lighting, the construction of a shed and bicycle bays, and the construction of a drain.

Nearby Sights

Getting there

Take the Rapid Penang Free Shuttle Bus to Station No. 7 (Lebuh Muntri Station), located along Penang Road at the junction of Muntri Street. From there, walk north along Penang Road until junction of Northam Road. Turn left at Northam Road, walk a short distance and you will find the Protestant Cemetery on your left.

List of Cemeteries in Penang and Cemeteries in Malaysia

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