There is a famous hotel In Singapore called "Raffles". Where did the name come from?

If you ever travel to Singapore, this hotel should be on your itinerary. Famous for the writers, actresses, actors and heads of state who stayed there, it's also known for a drink named the "Singapore Sling" which was invented here at the hotel.

In February of 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles declared the foundation for what would eventually become modern Singapore. He established schools and churches in the native language and did not impose alien language or culture upon the colony.

Also in 1823, Raffles drafted the first constitution for Singapore, which followed a fair and moralistic stance, outlawing gambling and slavery. A specific regulation in the constitution called for the multiethnic population to remain as they were; and no crimes were entirely based on racial principles. Raffles worked on drafting laws, defining exactly "what" constituted a criminal act.

The Singapore Sling was invented by a bar man to look like a soft drink so that ladies could also partake of alcohol at the bar and not be ostracized.

More Info: wikipedia.org

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15 Comments

Kathryn Cavanagh

tis a pity more men like him weren't around when taking over other so called unoccupied countries. Ethnic prejudices would not exist if his principles were followed.

Jas Newman

Singapore Sling created at the Raffles Long Bar. The location still exists, but it's not the current bar which is called "The Long Bar." If you ask, the staff will direct you to the original, which is much less busy. Also, lore has it that once a tiger was found crouching under the table in the billiards room. That was before my time.

Helga U. Williams

Very interesting question and commentary! Even though my guess was correct, I did not know anything about this man and his connection with Singapore. Thanks for the education! 👍