Bangkok’s gingerbread house gains historical status

Windsor House in the Kudeejeen community and the First Presbyterian Church in the Samre area of Bangkok have been registered as historical sites by the Fine Arts Department.

Windsor House, located in the Thon Buri district, stands out for its gingerbread style, intricate woodwork, and weathered appearance. This two-storey wooden house, built during the reign of King Mongkut, was originally owned by Louis Windsor, a wealthy British merchant who operated Windsor Shop on Charoen Krung Road.

Renovation efforts for Windsor House face challenges due to its location on land owned by Santa Cruz Church, which prohibits commercial activities. The historical site registration aims to address these concerns and facilitate preservation efforts.

The First Presbyterian Church was established in 1849 by the American Presbyterian Mission, which arrived in Thailand in 1840 during the reign of King Rama III. Initially, the missionaries resided with others in the Kudeejeen community and held prayer meetings in their living quarters.

The mission later moved to the Samre area, where the actual church construction began in 1860 and took two years to complete.

Since its completion, the First Presbyterian Church has served as the centre of the Presbyterian community. The church, a one-storey building with a bell tower, faces the Chao Phraya River and is known for its simple design. In 2004, it received a conservation award from the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage.

Additionally, a boys’ school was established by the missionaries and is now known as Bangkok Christian College.

The Fine Arts Department’s registration of both sites, along with their surrounding areas, for their historical and cultural significance was documented in the Royal Gazette, reported Bangkok Post.

The announcements were signed by the director-general of the Fine Arts Department.

In related news, the bid to elevate Phra Nakhon Khiri National Historical Park, also known as Khao Wang, to the esteemed status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is underway, as confirmed by Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol.