Clarke Quay was named after Sir Andrew Clarke who was Governor of the Straits Settlements (1873-1875). As early as the 1830s, Clarke Quay had been a vital distribution point for fresh water to people living around the Singapore River due to river pollution around Boat Quay.
In the late 19th century, Clarke Quay became a centre of commerce with lighters off-loading the goods arriving in ships from all over the world. These goods were then stored in warehouses which were mostly owned by well-known Chinese merchants such as Whampoa, Tan Yeok Nee, Tan Tye, and other distinguished European firms like Messrs Paterson. These warehouses therefore serve as a reminder of the entrepreneurial spirit of our early pioneers.
The emotive quality to Clarke Quay could best described as celebratory. With its Chinese and European-influenced architectural styles, the Clarke Quay of today is packed with curios, gifts and specialty shops in the refurbished warehouses. A Sunday flea market also thrives to sell items on the salvaged past like an old poster, antique watch or gramophone.
