The Peak An Illustrated History of Hong Kong’s Top District

by Garrett, Richard J.

• ISBN13: 9789887792703
• ISBN10: 9887792705
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2018-05-01
• Publisher: Blacksmith Books

Summary

The Peak is Hong Kong's top residential district, where property prices are as high as the altitude. How did it become an exclusive enclave in the bustling business center of 19th-century Asia?

The British wanted relief from summer heat and the Peak was the obvious place to escape it. When the Governor adopted Mountain Lodge as a summer getaway, development accelerated and the opening of the Peak Tram in 1888 made access easier. Gradually a community developed and a church, a club and a school were established.

This book describes how the now-popular tourist area developed over time and adapted as needs changed.

Author Biography

Richard Garrett came to Hong Kong in 1973 as a civil engineer. His work on planning the city's infrastructure provided him with the opportunity to get to know the territory very well. Since retirement he writes about the history of its colonial era. He has a long association with the Centre of Asian Studies at the University of Hong Kong and has lived on the Peak for over 40 years.

Author's previous books:
Irish Gunmakers, ISBN 978-988-17330-1-6;
The Defences of Macau: Forts, Ships and Weapons over 450 Years, hardback ISBN 978-962-209-993-7, paperback ISBN 978-988-8028-49-8;
The Lone Flag: Memoir of the British Consul in Macao during World War II, joint editor, hardback ISBN 978-988-8208-32-6

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 2: FROM BARREN ROCK TO EXCLUSIVE REAL ESTATE
Mountain Lodge
Initial Access
The Early Building Lots
The Peak Tram
The Building Boom
Peak Restrictions
Climate Control
The War and Beyond
CHAPTER 3: SEDAN CHAIR PATH TO MOTOR ROAD
Addresses
The Early Roads
Late Nineteenth Century Additions
Military Roads
Twentieth Century Additions
The Arrival of the Motor Car
Garages and Filling Stations
The Final Additions
CHAPTER 4: SECLUSION ON MOUNT KELLETT ROAD
Mount Kellett
Mount Kellett Road from Jardine's Corner – Right Hand (West) Side
Mount Kellett Road from Jardine's Corner – Left Hand (East) Side
The Loop Road – Uphill Side
The Loop Road – Downhill Side
CHAPTER 5: CATERING FOR BODY AND SOUL
The Peak Church
The Peak Club
Peak Schools
Peak Hotels
Hospitals
CHAPTER 6: SECURITY AND COMMUNICATIONS
The Signal Station
Postal Services
Telephones
Police Stations
Military Facilities
CHAPTER 7: CONSTRUCTION AND UTILITIES
Peak Houses
Water Supply
Sanitary Aspects
Electricity
Gas
Public Transport
CHAPTER 8: QUARTERS ON THE PEAK
Government Quarters
Quarters for the Forces
Company Properties
CHAPTER 9: POST-WAR DEVELOPMENT
New Buildings
Shops and Restaurants
Hotels
Heritage
Conclusions
APPENDICES