ReTRIeVIA

James Horsburgh (1762-1836)

Horsburgh was famous for his knowledge and experience of the sea lanes and shipping routes in Southeast Asia between China and India. His navigational charts showing the rocks and reefs helped greatly to improve the safety for ships sailing in these waters.

When he died in 1836, a group of rich merchants raised funds to construct the lighthouse in memory of him. Horsburgh Lighthouse was completed in 1851 and is still in use. The rocky island on which Horsburgh Lighthouse stands is known as Pedra Branca (“White Rock” in the Portuguese language). Both Singapore and Malaysia claim ownership of Pedra Branca and the case was submitted to the International Court of Justice in 2003.

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Stamp: 1982 Aug
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