Chico Terrace [????- ] | Gwulo: Old Hong Kong

Chico Terrace [????- ]

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Submitted by ant on Thu, 2013-01-24 21:12

Hi, does anyone have background/history on Chico Terrace (mid-levels). Why it is called Chico Terrace? The current two buildings on it are "3 Chico Terrace" (which sits on '1-3 Chico Terrace') and "4 Chico Terrace". It was originally 4 lots (1,2,3,4, Chico Terrace).

Thanks for any info or pictures. Anthony

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Photos that show this place

1911

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Submitted by David on Fri, 2013-01-25 21:09.

The first time it appears in the Jurors' Lists is the 1898 list, giving an idea of when it was built.

Curious name - I don't know anything about its background.

Regards, David

Submitted by moddsey on Sat, 2013-01-26 06:39.

Eithel: Europe in China

As the streets adjoining Chico Terrace e.g. Peel, Shelley etc date a long way back into Hong Kong's early history, I would not be suprised if the Terrace is named after the Danish brig "Chico" that was attacked and ransacked by pirates outside Lyemun Passage in January 1864. The Captain and some members of the crew were killed in the incident.

Submitted by C on Sun, 2013-01-27 00:04.

The book "Hong Kong's street names and their origins" by Frena Bloomfield has an explanation, but I don't remember what it is now.

Submitted by aetse on Mon, 2013-01-28 22:48.

I may be wrong but our family legend has it that Chico Terrace was named after my great-grandfather Francisco TSE Yat. He was referred to as "Chico" by the local Portuguese community. Francisco was born in Hong Kong in 1854. He was the first Comparadore of Banco Ultramarino of Macao. On some old Hong Kong maps, the same location was also referred to as Mosque Terrace. 

 

AETSE

Submitted by David on Tue, 2013-01-29 20:10.

Thanks Andrew, I'd noticed that Wikipedia says Chico is "the nickname for Francisco in the Portuguese language", but had no idea which Francisco it referred to.

Do you know how it came to be named after your great-grandfather? eg did he own the land at that time?

Regards, David

Submitted by ant on Tue, 2013-02-05 11:28.

People may be interested in the copy of a survey of Chico Terrace dated August 1911 that I have (I hope) linked to this page. It was done by the famous firm of Palmer & Turner. I do not know why the survey was done. Perhaps it was commissioned by the Government? This is just a copy. I do not know if the original still exists.

Regards, Anthony