This painting of a View from James Brooke's Bungalow painted by J.W. Giles from a sketch by Captain Bethune, RN in 1846 helps illustrate the remoteness and almost alien geography that the young English adventurer had found for himself. His home was also his courthouse and his library.
Interestingly it was given the rather homely name of 'The Grove' conjuring up images of pastoral England rather than the jungles of Sarawak. The building was destroyed by the Chinese in 1857 when they rose up in insurrection and attempted to kill James Brooke.
He managed to escape through the water closet but his precious home with his beloved books were set ablaze.
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