Brooke’s Forts in Sarawak

15 Brooke’s Forts

Legacy of Rajah Sarawak 

       Rajah Sarawak coat of arm.

An interesting legacy left by the Brookes Rajah Sarawak are forts in every division they established in Sarawak. Brookes family ruled Sarawak for three generations, which ended in 1946. In that 105 years of rulling they has build a total of 15 forts altogether.

These forts were simple affairs, built of wood or rough stone, with armouries and quarters for the fort-men below and on the first floor an office and crude living quarters for the district officer. Only when the district was entirely pacified could the officer move out into a house of his own.
The Rajah liked the forts to be uniform as possible. The model which he thought should be copied was that at Simanggang. New precedents were to be avoided if possible *Outlines of Sarawak History

Fort Brooke in Sibu (1862)

Fort Keppel in Bintulu (1862)

Fort Vyner in Belaga (1884)

Fort Burdett in Muka - now called Mukah (1861)

Fort Sarikei in Sarikei (1850)

Fort Dayang Leonora in Engkilili (1850)

Fort Lingga in Simanggang (Sri Aman now) (1849)

Fort Charles in Kabong (1878)

Fort Florence in Trusan (1887)

Fort Margherita in Kuching, built 1879.

Called after Ranee’s (Ranee Margaret – Rajah Charles Brooke wife’s)  first Christian names - Margherita.

Fort Alice in Simanggang (Sri Aman now), built 1864.

Called after Ranee’s (Ranee Margaret – Rajah Charles Brooke wife’s)  second Christian names - Alice.

Fort Lili in Betong, built 1858.

Called after Ranee’s (Ranee Margaret – Rajah Charles Brooke wife’s)  thrird Christian names - Lili.

Fort  Sylvia in Kapit, built 1880.

Called after Rani Sylvia Brooke.

Fort Emma in Kanowit, built 1859.

Called after Emma Brooke, sister of Rajah Charles Brooke.

Fort Rose in Marudi, built 1883.

Called after the Second Resident, Dr Rose at Claudetown on Baram river side (now called Marudi) during the Brooke era. The Claudetown came after the first Resident of the division - Claude de Crespigny.

The History of Rajah Sarawak

The History of Rajah Sarawak

                                                Rajah Astana by the Sarawak River

The history of Sarawak in unusual and colourful and Sarawakians to today can rightly look back on their heritage with a certain degree of pride. Much about the Brooke appears slightly ridiculous to modern eyes but the Sarawak people are better placed finally to judge the Brooke achievement.

Rajah Brooke family (Rajah Sarawak) and their rule lasted from 1841 to 1941.

James Brooke (1841-1868)

He was installed as the White Rajah of Sarawak in 1842. Rajah Brooke died in 1868 but not before expanding his territory. His nephew Charles Brooke successded him.

Charles Brooke (1868-1917)

It is recorded that Charles Brooke was a capable, organized ruler who brought about proper system of government and extension of Sarawak's borders. until 1917.

Charles Vyner Brooke (1917-1941)

He is the eldest surviving son of Charles, succeeded his father. Rajah Vyner did not interfere with local customs, but drew the line at headhunting, which was practiced by Dayak tribesmen.

During the Japanese occupation from 1941-1945, Charles and his family fled to Australia. By 1945, the Japenese surrendered. He return to Sarawak and saw his role as Rajah Sarawak ended on 15 April 1946, Sarawak had been placed under the Australian Military Administration. He than announce to relinquish Sarawak to British Military Administration.

                                Rajah Brooke stamps: 1946 Centenary Issue

The three Rajah Sarawak:

Sir James Brooke, born 29 April 1803, died 11 June 1868. 

Rajah from 1841 – 1868.

Sir Charles Brooke, born June 3, 1829, died May 17, 1917. 

Rajah from 1868 – 1917.

Sir Charles Vyner Brooke, born 26 September 1874, died 9 May 1963. 

Rajah from 1917 –1946.