Mar 10, 2011
Catholic Cemetery, burial place of Captain Francis Light
The Catholic Cemetery is located in the heart of town, less than a block from Penang Road and about 2 blocks away from the famous E&O Hotel. I have pass this cemetery countless times, but never thought twice about setting foot in there although it was the resting place of Captain Francis Light. Cemeteries are not my favorite place to visit when I am kicking back and relaxing, but I guess this intrigued me.
So who is this chap by the name of Captain Francis Light? Apparently he was in the arm forces or responsible for a ship, as he had the title of a Captain.. He was the founder of Penang, the Pearl of the Orient, or at least that is what is written in history. The Thais and Burmese have been trading with the locals of Penang prior to that but in 11 August 1786, Francis Light landed on Penang at what is later called Fort Cornwallis, and renamed the island Prince of Wales Island in honor of the heir to the British throne. Francis Light was born in Suffolk, England on 15 December 1740 and lost his life in 21St October 1794 to malaria.
The grave of Capt. Francis Light. It looks like it was repaired.
Penang Catholic Cemetery Map. This map will identify the graves of those that are buried at the cemetery. It is often mistakenly called a Protestant cemetery but per the map, it is a Catholic cemetery. Not that it makes a difference to me but just a FYI
Penang Catholic cemetery map with the details of those who are buried there. It also gives you a short description of the person buried in the grave/tomb.
Tomb with a pergola. It was interesting to see some of the different designs and structures around there.
Tomb of Rev R. S. Hutchings, founder of Penang Free School 21 October 1816. There were fresh flowers laid at his tomb.
The tomb of Captain Francis Light. 15 December 1740 - 21 October 1794
If you found the information useful, please feel free to leave a comment.
The grave of Sir Francis Light lies in The Protestant Cemetery in Georgetown. The Catholic Cemetery can be accessed by walking through the Protestant Cemetery and going through the gate at the back of it. The two are quite distinct and divided by a wall. While not an authority on everything, Lonely Planet Malaysia confirms this and I have been there. The map of the cemeteries that are published on your page quite clearly shows the Catholic Cemetery on the other side of the wall which is also shown with a break (the gate)in it. Plaques at the entrance to the cemetery list Sir Francis Light as being buried in the Protestant Cemetery.
great, was looking for just these photos. I’m trying to recall if the cemetary could be viewed from a multi story hotel at the end of Penang Rd or if I have imagined that?
Thanks for the info. It would be fascinating to know more about this man. His life seems enigmatic, especially his “non-marriage” to his wife.
You probably know his son William was used as the semblance for Francis’ statue. William was an eminent surveyor of Australia.
Enjoyed the photographs.