Windsor Palace (Bangkok)

Last updated

Windsor Palace, shortly after its construction Windsor Palace (Thailand).jpg
Windsor Palace, shortly after its construction

Windsor Palace was situated in Bangkok, Thailand, during the early twentieth century. Built on the orders of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) to serve as the residence of Crown Prince Vajirunhis, the palace later became part of Chulalongkorn University but was later demolished to make way for the construction of Suphachalasai Stadium. The palace became known as such to foreign residents of Bangkok due to its partial resemblance to Windsor Castle, though it was also known to locals as Wang Klang Thung or Wang Mai.

Contents

History

Windsor Palace was commissioned by King Chulalongkorn in 1881 to serve as the residence of his eldest son, Prince Vajirunhis, who would later be named the first Crown Prince of Siam (Thailand). The palace was located on Sa Pathum Road (now Rama I Road) at the current location of Suphachalasai Stadium. Designed in Gothic Revival style by the Italian architect Joachim Grassi, its appearance reflects that of Windsor Castle in England, and the palace became known to contemporary expatriates as Windsor. [1] Locals called the palace Wang Klang Thung (Thai : วังกลางทุ่ง), lit. palace in the field, for its location, or Wang Mai (วังใหม่), which means new palace. [2] The latter name in turn gave rise to Wang Mai Subdistrict, which is part of Pathum Wan District and covers the area where the palace was located. The palace had three main storeys and a central staircase, [3] was built with imported marble, and internal decorations included neoclassical columns and statues. [2]

Illustration of Windsor Palace from the 19 September 1891 issue of The Graphic Windsor Palace (Thailand) from The Graphic.png
Illustration of Windsor Palace from the 19 September 1891 issue of The Graphic

The palace's foundation stone was laid in November 1881, and construction was completed in July 1884. However, Prince Vajirunhis continued to live in the Grand Palace and had not moved into his new home when he died in 1895. [4] Following the prince's death, the palace was used as a school of cartography, and later on, agriculture. [5] When King Vajiravudh (Rama VI, who succeeded King Chulalongkorn) established the Civil Service College of King Chulalongkorn (later to become Chulalongkorn University) in 1911, ownership of the palace was transferred to the college and the palace became the seat of the college's School of Mechanical Sciences. In 1916 the college campuses were consolidated, and Windsor Palace served as the centre of the Prathum Wan Campus (which by now also hosted the Public Administration and Education Departments) while a new Administration Building (now the Faculty of Arts Building) was being constructed. [2]

With the formal establishment of Chulalongkorn University in 1917, Windsor Palace became the seat of the Faculty of Arts and Science. The building was modified to hold classes and laboratories, with a cadaver dissection lab built nearby. It was also here at the palace that Prince Mahidol Adulyadej instructed medical students in pre-clinical courses. [6] [7] Four student dormitories were built near the palace building, and later became known as Ho Wang (หอวัง, lit. palace dormitory). [2] [8] The name was adopted by the university's teacher-training school, which was established nearby and became known as Horwang Secondary School of Chulalongkorn University. Use of the palace ceased in 1935 when the area was requested for construction of the National Stadium. The faculty was relocated, and Horwang School moved to the site that is now Triam Udom Suksa School. [9]

Demolition and excavation

Marble fragments from the palace displayed at the Chulalongkorn University School of Sports Science Marble fragments from Windsor Palace.jpg
Marble fragments from the palace displayed at the Chulalongkorn University School of Sports Science

Following the Siamese Revolution of 1932 which abolished absolute monarchy, the property surrounding Windsor Palace was leased to the Ministry of Education's Department of Physical Education in 1935 to serve as the construction site for the National Stadium complex, with Suphachalasai Stadium at its core. The palace was subsequently demolished, and its existence faded from public knowledge. [2] [5]

Part of the National Stadium complex was established as the Central Physical Education School, which later became part of Srinakharinwirot University 's Faculty of Physical Education. Ownership of these buildings was transferred to Chulalongkorn University's School of Sports Science when their lease expired in 1997. Later during renovations by Chulalongkorn University, fragments of marble columns and statues were discovered, and it was concluded that they originated from the palace structure. These are now on display at the School of Sports Science. [10] Numerous marble fragments have also been found within the site of the National Stadium, but have been left lying around as debris. There have been calls for formal excavation and cataloguing, but no substantial developments have yet emerged. [7]

On the eightieth anniversary of the establishment of Chulalongkorn University in 1997, a set of commemorative postage stamps was issued. Windsor Palace featured in one of the designs. [3]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chakri dynasty</span> Reigning dynasty of Thailand

The Chakri dynasty is the current reigning dynasty of the Kingdom of Thailand. The head of the house is the king, who is head of state. The family has ruled Thailand since the founding of the Rattanakosin Era and the city of Bangkok in 1782; following the end of King Taksin the Great's reign, when the capital of Siam shifted to Bangkok. The royal house was founded by Rama I, an Ayutthaya military leader of Sino-Mon descent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pathum Wan district</span> District in Bangkok, Thailand

Pathum Wan is one of the fifty districts (khet) of Bangkok, Thailand. It lies just beyond the old city boundary of Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem, and was a rural area on the eastern outskirts of the city when royal villas were built there in the late nineteenth century. The district was officially established in 1915, and covers an area of 8.37 square kilometres (3.23 sq mi). A large part of the district area is taken up by the campus of Chulalongkorn University and the green expanses of Lumphini Park and the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. By the turn of the 20th–21st centuries, the district had become known as the modern-day city centre, home to the prominent shopping areas of Siam and Ratchaprasong.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vajirunhis</span> Crown Prince of Siam

Maha Vajirunhis, Crown Prince of Siam was the first Crown Prince of the Chakri dynasty. He was the first son of King Chulalongkorn and Queen Savang Vadhana together, who were half-siblings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Khon San district</span> District in Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Khon San is the northernmost district (amphoe) of Chaiyaphum province, northeastern Thailand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prathai district</span> District in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Prathai is a district (amphoe) in the northeastern part of Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeastern Thailand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Song Khwae district</span> District in Nan, Thailand

Song Khwae is a district (amphoe) in the northwestern part of Nan province, northern Thailand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chula Chakrabongse</span> Member of the Thai royal family

Chula Chakrabongse, His Royal Highness Prince Chula Chakrabongse was a member of the family of the Chakri dynasty of Thailand and of the House of Chakkraphong. He was the only child of Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath and his Russian wife Catherine Desnitski. He was a grandson of King Chulalongkorn.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chulalongkorn University Stadium</span> Sports venue in Bangkok, Thailand

The Chulalongkorn University Stadium, formerly Charusathian Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium owned by Chulalongkorn University in Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand. It is on Chulalongkorn Soi 9 in Pathumwan in the centre of Bangkok and holds 20,000. It is used mostly for football matches and to host intra- and inter-university sports competitions the student body participates in. The stadium is the home of Chamchuri United F.C. of the Thai League 4, and previously served as the home stadium for the now defunct BBCU F.C..

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pin Malakul</span> Thai educator and writer

Mom Luang Pin Malakul was a Thai professor, educator and writer. His contributions to education in Thailand include the establishment of various institutions of higher education, the introduction of fixed class schedules, and the implementation of teacher-training programmes. In his career he served as Director-General of the Department of General Education, later becoming Permanent Secretary, and Minister, of Education. He was also a member of the Executive Board of UNESCO. His writings earned him the title of National Artist in 1987, and the 100th anniversary of his birth was celebrated by the UNESCO in 2003 as recognition of his contribution to the advancement of education in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Front Palace</span> Former Thai viceregal title

Krom Phra Ratchawang Bowon Sathan Mongkhon กรมพระราชวังบวรสถานมงคล, colloquially known as the Front Palace, was the title of the uparaja of Siam, variously translated as "viceroy", "vice king" or "Lord/Prince of the Front Palace", as the titleholder resided in the physical residence of the same name. The office of Front Palace was considered second only to the king and regarded as the heir presumptive. The name, with its dual meaning, originated in the Ayutthaya period, and the holder later gained significant powers during the Rattanakosin period. Front Palace occupants were usually a son or brother of the reigning monarch. The office existed until the death of the last occupant, Prince Wichaichan, in 1885. King Chulalongkorn then abolished the office of an heir presumptive, introducing in its stead the Western concept of a crown prince as heir apparent, and styled the new office "Crown Prince of Siam".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Siam area</span>

Siam is a shopping district in the heart of Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. It is situated alongside a stretch of Rama I Road in the city's Pathum Wan District, from Pathum Wan Intersection to Chaloem Phao Junction, beyond which it meets the adjacent Ratchaprasong neighbourhood. The area is home to multiple large shopping malls, and, together with Ratchaprasong, forms what has been termed the city's central shopping district, functioning as the modern-day city centre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sam Yan</span> Road junction

Sam Yan is the name of an intersection and its nearby neighbourhood in Bangkok, Thailand. It connects Rama IV Road with Phaya Thai and Si Phraya roads, and is located within Pathum Wan District, next to its border with Bang Rak. The neighbourhood lies in the intersection's northwest corner on land owned by Chulalongkorn University, and is famous for its restaurants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Horwang School</span> Government school in Bangkok, Thailand

Horwang School is a state school located in Bangkok, Thailand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joachim Grassi</span> Austro-Hungarian architect (1837–1904)

Joachim Grassi was an Austrian architect of Italian descent who worked for the Siamese government in the late nineteenth century. He was among the first European architects employed by King Chulalongkorn, and contributed extensively to Siam 's architecture, especially the Neo-Classic, during the time of its modernization.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Takkatan Chollada</span> Thai singer (born 1983)

Takkatan Chollada is a female Thai singer and dancer. Her birth name is Chonlada Thongchulklang. She was born on 17 May 1983, in Nakhon Ratchasima province. She is the daughter of Soan and Butr Thongchulklang.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thanadsri Svasti</span> Thai media personality and singer

Mom Rajawongse Thanadsri Svasti was a Thai writer, singer, broadcaster and actor, best known as a culinary expert and for his food writing, especially the "Shell Chuan Chim" (เชลล์ชวนชิม) food guide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Campus of Chulalongkorn University</span> University grounds in Bangkok, Thailand

The campus of Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok occupies an area of 637 rai in the city centre's Pathum Wan District. It accounts for just over half of the 1,153 rai of land owned by the university, the rest of which is commercially developed or used by other institutions. The campus sits on what was originally royal land surrounding Windsor Palace, granted for the university's use at its foundation in 1917 by King Vajiravudh. Ownership of the land was transferred to the university by an Act of Parliament in 1939.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chitsen Aphaiwong</span> Thai architect

Chitsen Aphaiwong or formerly Mew Aphaiwong (Thai: หมิว อภัยวงศ์ is a Thai architect with prominent works in Art Deco and International Style. He was regarded as one of the most important pioneers of such architectures in Thailand. Some of his prominent works are Suphatchalasai Stadium, Sala Chaloem Thai, Bangkok General Post Office, and buildings on Ratchadamnoen Avenue including the Royal Rattanakosin Hotel and Bangkok City Library.

References

  1. ↑ Pittayawattanachai, Piriya (2011). สถาปัตยกรรมของโยอาคิม กราซีในสยาม [The Architecture of Joachim Grassi in Siam](PDF) (Thesis) (in Thai). Silpakorn University. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Chongkol, Sawat (17 February 2010). "วังวินด์เซอร์ (Windsor Palace)". Memorial Hall of Chulalongkorn University website. Chulalongkorn University. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
  3. 1 2 Napawongse, Chirayu (July–October 1997). "พระตำหนักวินเซอร์ (Windsor Palace)". Chamchuri (in Thai). 1 (2). Archived from the original on 27 February 2009. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
  4. ↑ Pirasri Povatong (14 July 2019) [June 2005]. "วังใหม่ที่ปทุมวัน : ประวัติศาสตร์สถาปัตยกรรม "ความทรงจำอันเลือนราง"". Silpa Wattanatham (in Thai). Retrieved 10 November 2019.
  5. 1 2 Sangvichien, Sanjai (19 October 1985). "ประวัติที่ดินจุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย (History of land property of Chulalongkorn University)". In Chulalongkorn University Faculty Senate Member Club (ed.). ขุมความคิด 3: อดีตถึงปัจจุบัน (Trove of Thoughts 3: Past to Present) (PDF) (published July 2010). pp. 14–15. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
  6. ↑ Homsetthi, Kriangkrai (March–June 1999). "สมเด็จพระราชบิดา (The Prince Father)". Chamchuri (in Thai). 3 (1). Archived from the original on 27 February 2009.
  7. 1 2 "จุฬาฯรับ-เจ้าภาพสำรวจวังกลางทุ่งก่อนรวบรวมศิลปวัตถุไว้เพื่อศึกษา (Chulalongkorn U accepts proposal for research on Klang Thung Palace)". Thai Post (in Thai). 8 March 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
  8. ↑ "หอวัง (Palace Dormitory)". Chulalongkorn University Student Affairs Office website (in Thai). Chulalongkorn University Student Affairs Office. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
  9. ↑ Malakul, Pin (1989). อัตชีวประวัติของหม่อมหลวงปิ่น มาลากุล (Autobiography of Mom Luang Pin Malakul) (in Thai) (2006 reprint ed.). Bangkok: Thepnimit Press (published 2006). pp. 127–129.
  10. ↑ "วังกลางทุ่งหรือวังใหม่ (Klang Thung Palace aka. New Palace)", Information sign (in Thai), Chulalongkorn University.

13°44′42″N100°31′34″E / 13.745°N 100.526°E / 13.745; 100.526

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.