Murray House

Murray House is now situated in Stanley

Murray House
Traditional Chinese	美利樓
Transcriptions Mandarin - Hanyu Pinyin Měilì Lóu Cantonese (Yue) - Jyutping mei3 lei6 lau4 - IPA [mēilèi lɐ̭u]

Murray House is a Victorian-era building in Stanley in Hong Kong. Originally built in the present-day business district of Central in 1846 as officers' quarters of the Murray Barracks,^[1] the building was relocated to the south of Hong Kong Island during the 2000s.

Architecture

The architecture of Murray House

Murray House was one of the oldest surviving public buildings in Hong Kong. Similar to many of its contemporaries from the early colonial era, it was designed in Classical architecture style. The heavy stone walls (with flat arched opening) are located on the ground floor to a give sense of stability, while the lighter Doric and Ionic columns are placed on the floors above to allow better ventilation. All floors have verandas on all sides in response to the local subtropical/monsoons climate.

History

Early history

Murray House.

Murray House was built in 1846 as officers' quarters of the Murray Barracks^[1] during the early years of British rule. It was named after Sir George Murray, the British Master-General of the Ordnance at the time of construction. The designer and constructor were Major Aldrich and Lieutenant Collinson of the Royal Engineers.

Japanese occupation

During the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, the building was used as the command centre by the Japanese military police. It was a venue for executing Chinese citizens during the 44-month Japanese occupation.

Post-war period

After World War II, several government departments used the building as offices, including the Rating and Valuation Department, starting in 1965. The building was believed to be haunted and was officially exorcised twice by the government.

Relocation in Stanley

Murray House and Blake Pier in Stanley.

In 1982, the historical landmark was dismantled to yield to the new Bank of China Tower. Over 3,000 building blocks were labelled and catalogued for future restoration. In 1990, the Housing Department proposed the resurrection of the building in Stanley. The building was restored in 2001 and reopened in 2002.

Hong Kong Maritime Museum

The Hong Kong Maritime Museum is located on the ground floor of Murray House.

See also

• Blake Pier at Stanley
• Heritage conservation in Hong Kong
• List of buildings and structures in Hong Kong

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Antiquities and Monuments Offices - Old Site of Murray House

External links

• Video on its history (large 7MB)
• Satellite view of the site - building at centre of image.
• Pictures of Murray House in its original location: [1] [2] [3]

Coordinates: 22°13′06″N 114°12′35″E / 22.2182°N 114.2097°E / 22.2182; 114.2097