The Peak: An Illustrated History of Hong Kong's Top District

by Richard J. Garrett

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789887792703
Publisher:	Blacksmith Books
Publication date:	12/31/2018
Series:	Royal Asiatic Society Hong Kong Studies Series
Pages:	220
Product dimensions:	7.30(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

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

Editorial Reviews

As a civil engineer, historian, Peak resident for decades, and someone who knows the Peak area inside out, no one is better qualified than Richard Garrett to write about it. The result is a well-illustrated account containing a wealth of carefully researched and accurate facts that cannot fail but interest those who would like to know more about this fascinating and historic part of Hong Kong.

Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong - James Hayes