The Portuguese established a base in Macau in the 16th century for trade and the spread of Christianity. At one time Macau had virtual monopoly with trade in China and Japan and became fabulously rich, a pearl of Western culture in the Orient. Others sought a share in the bonanza, in particulara the Dutch who attempted a serious invasion in the 15th Century. Occasionally there was also tension with neighbouring Chinese provinces but Macau survived and lasted for four and a half centuries until 1999 when the colony was returned to China.
CHAPTER VI Recourse to Macao during the Anglo-Chinese War – Captain Elliot’s Memorable Proclamation Shortly before 1839 a series of incidents in Canton, with and without official connivance, were shaping events of far-reaching consequence. These events finally resolved themselves into the establishment of a British settlement at Hongkong and, as it proved in later years, […]
CHAPTER VII Early Hongkong from Portuguese and other records – Departure of Captain Elliot For close on three hundred years, from the year 1557, Macao had been the “home from home” not only of Portuguese nationals but also of subjects of other countries who came seeking commercial relations with the Chinese. It was as much
CHAPTER VIII The Rise of Hongkong – Early Portuguese Settlers The ill favour with which the early British residents of Hongkong viewed the prospects of the new settlement was reflected in despatches to the British Government in London, and can also be gathered from newspaper reports by men who doubted that the island of Hongkong
CHAPTER IX Growth of the Portuguese Community in Hongkong – The Portuguese as Interpreters The strength of British colonial enterprise was demonstrated in the case of Hongkong in less than a decade after the founding of the settlement. There were disabilities, misunderstandings, recriminations, and criticisms, it is true, but Hongkong was taking shape as an
THE PORTUGUESE IN HONG KONG AND CHINA By J. P. Braga First published in 1944 and reprinted in 1978 and 1998; published on the internet circa 2009. Editorial Note: This is the 1944 version. J.P. Braga did not complete this booklet before his death. J.M. “Jack” Braga edited and published this work after his father’s
Dia de S. João In the 17th Century, Macau was a rich and valuable Portuguese trading post. In late June 1622 a large Dutch force attacked Macau. A small group of defenders, augmented by volunteers, fought bravely and defeated the invaders on the 24th June, the feast of the birth of St John the Baptist.
The Dutch Attack and Rout at Macau, 24 June 1622 by J. Bosco CorreaThis is an edited version of an article first published in the Bulletin of Casa de Macau (Australia). Philip III of Spain(Philip II of Portugal)In the early part of the 17th Century, Portugal had a great advantage in trade with China and Japan
From Portugal to Macau by H.A. d’Assumpção An article first published in a Bulletin of Club Lusitano, Hong Kong Aviation was in its infancy early in the 20th Century but, as its importance became apparent during World War I, it developed rapidly and many nations established military aviation units and commercial companies. Two Portuguese
From Portugal to Macau Read More »
The Governor from HellDom Sebastião Lobo da Silveira, Governor of Macau, 1638-1644by Stuart BragaEdited version of an article first published in the Australian Casa de Macau NewsletterIf you thought our political leaders leave something to desired, then think again. Quite apart from the appalling dictators of 20th-century Europe and the cruel tyrants of contemporary Africa, 17th-century Macau
Governor-from-Hell Read More »
