Some of us in
Malaysia probably know about a popular period drama series now airing in Astro
Channel 702 called 'Downton Abbey'. Now in its 5th season, the show depicts the
life of people living in the early 20th century Britain at the time when social
class division was very stark. And the division were defined by social nobility
and wealth. In short, it was the golden age of British aristocracy. The
Highclere castle, the main set of the drama reminded me of our very own
'Downton Abbey' palace - yet unfinished.
Yes, the above photo
is Kellie's castle, an unfinished mansion located at Perak. See the map below
for location:
Kellie's castle was
commissioned by a Scot named William Kellie Smith who gained fortune in rubber
and tin mining when he was posted in the then British Malaya. There are two conflicting accounts of the reason he
decided to build a mansion there. Some said it was a gift for his wife, while
others more inclined to believe that it was for his son. Either way, it is
clear now that the mansion is never completed. I still remember there was one
documentary aired in TV, briefly mentioning about this mansion. One of the
interesting elements that was attempted to be incorporated into the mansion was
the use of electrically powered elevators to carry people - and bottles of
wines.
I never visited
Kellie's castle however. But seeing countless of photos and comparing it with
Downton Abbey and its characters evoke one thought of 'what if the mansion was
indeed finished?' I am thinking something like servants living downstairs,
probably not imported from England - locals would probably be employed instead. And
the warm and humid climate must be challenging for William and his family at first. If the
mansion was ever be completed and the Smith family ever lived here, it would have been
a defining moment as British Malayan aristocracy would have been born in
Malaysia - Lord Smith? But, seeing the rapid geopolitical and economic
transformation by the time of his death and beyond, I am doubtful if the aristocracy would even survived - the
same way that characters at Downton Abbey will experience as social class and
hierarchy in Britain became more blurry.
More info about
Kellie's Castle below:
- http://www.journeymalaysia.com/MHIS_kellies.htm
- http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/places/states-of-malaysia/perak/kellies-castle
- http://www.tourmalaysia.com/2009/12/30/for-the-record-castle-of-love-kellies-castle-batu-gajah-perak/
