Where is the City of Victoria? Authenticity confirmed for 3 more boundary stones marking Hong Kong’s first colonial settlement
- Latest discovery brings number of such recorded relics to 10, marking area in 1903 that spanned present-day Central, Sai Wan, Sheung Wan and Wan Chai
- Antiquities and Monuments Office adds items to list of ‘government historic sites’, meaning builders need to study impact of new projects
The authenticity of three boundary stones once used to mark the limits of Hong Kong’s first colonial settlement has been confirmed, after the relics were uncovered by groups of history lovers.
The Antiquities and Monuments Office said on Friday its staff had visited the three sites at Lung Fu Shan, Mount Davis and Mount Nicholson near Rosary Hill School, and recorded the details of the stones.
It confirmed the “City Boundary 1903” inscriptions on the three stones, noting the construction style was similar to others recorded. The items have been added to the list of “government historic sites”.
“All proponents of new public works would have to study whether their projects would have an impact on the sites beforehand,” the office said.
Seven such stones were found earlier, marking out the City of Victoria, Hong Kong’s first urban settlement after it became a British colony. The boundary of the settlement was gazetted in 1903.
Boundary stones were often used to mark the limits between districts, communities, countries and private land. One of the previously discovered seven stones went missing in 2007 during slope renovation work.
