Fort Canning was orginally known as Bukit Larangan, or "Forbidden Hill". It was later renamed Government Hill. This strategic hill in the heart of the city has played a vital role in Singapore's history since ancient times. Today, it is a park where visitors can explore historic sites and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Archaeological excavations have yielded evidence supporting the existence of the ancient kingdom of Temasek, later named Singapura ("Lion City" in Sanskrit). Temasek was a regional trading centre in the 14th century until its destruction by the Siamese and Majapahit forces. Drawn by its historical significance and panoramic view, Stamford Raffles built his bungalow and established the first botanical gardens here in 1822. The bungalow remained the residence of the British governor until the late 1850s when it was demolished to make way for a military fort bearing the name of Viscount Charles John Canning, Governor-General and first Viceroy of India. (Some historical sources claim that the fort was named after Viscount George Canning, Viceroy of India).
Fort Canning continued to be used by the British army in the pre-war and post-war period, the Japanese army during World War Two and up to the 1970s by the Singapore Armed Forces.
Managed by National Parks Board