Then and Now Hong Kong - The Court of Final Appeal 1912
Iconic Colonial Building next to Statue Square Hong Kong
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Then and Now Hong Kong - The Court of Final Appeal 1912
The iconic Colonial Building next to Statue Square Hong Kong
click on the image to enlarge
The Iconic Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong - 1912
This 1912 image was taken near Princes Building which is next to Statue Square in Hong Kong
I have always been intrigued by this imposing and very colonial building, I walk past it most days as it is right next to my spiritual home of Statue Square, whilst it is not as old as quite a few buildings in the surrounding area (it opened in 1912) it is just so imposing and a proper symbol of law and order in Hong Kong
There is one thing that has fascinated me since I was a kid here and is something that has always been at the back of my mind and this post allows me to confront the issue.
My wife’s family has a lot of Hong Kong Chinese people in it and my wife’s family has been here longer than me so they are an excellent source of information on local Chinese culture and it has given me some interesting insights over the years.
It all started back when I was a kid, and as mentioned even then I used to hang out a lot in Statue Square and I am a people watcher and over the decades I came to the conclusion that not a lot of Hong Kong Chinese People walked the pavements | sidewalks that surround the building, now the building is literally 10 yards from Statue Square which is a magnet for tourists and residents alike but there has always been an invisible barrier that stops people getting too close to the building., you can have many hundreds of people in Statue Square and literally just 1 or 2 people walking the pavement next to the Court of Final Appeal! and I am not imagining it has played out thousands of times this way,
I have talked to Chinese residents as well as family members and over the decades I got the impression that the building just has bad joss (as it where) and I surmised it might be full of ghosts and spirits and the Feng Shui was not particularly of the gold standard.
Naturally people just laugh it off and say that, that theory is nonsense, or is it? I have gotten to understand in some small way Hong Kong Chinese Culture and I can see misdirection coming from a mile away!
Anyway, I cover this in much greater detail below, just something to think about.
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The Iconic Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong - 2025
Comprehensive History and Analysis of the Court of Final Appeal Building next to Statue Square in Hong Kong
Purpose and Timeline for Building the Supreme Court
The Court of Final Appeal Building, originally known as the Old Supreme Court Building, was constructed to serve as the seat of Hong Kong’s Supreme Court, reflecting the British colonial government’s need for a centralized judicial facility to administer justice in the growing colony. Hong Kong, ceded to Britain in 1842, required a robust legal infrastructure by the late 19th century to support its expanding commercial and administrative functions.
The Supreme Court was established to handle significant civil and criminal cases, symbolizing British rule of law. The decision to build a dedicated courthouse was driven by the inadequacy of earlier facilities, such as temporary courtrooms, which could not accommodate the colony’s judicial demands. Construction began in 1900, reflecting the urgency to establish a permanent judicial presence, and the building was completed and opened on January 15, 1912, by Governor Sir Frederick Lugard.
So the early timeline is this
1894 - 1897: A committee in Hong Kong considers ideas for relocating the Supreme Court and government offices to a site on the Central Reclamation, then under formation. The government in London appoints Aston Webb and E. Ingress Bell, leading British architects, to draw up plans.
1898: Webb and Bell produce preliminary drawings, which, with later modifications, form the basis of the design for the building.
1900 - 1903: The foundations are constructed by the contractor Chan A Tong.
1903: Governor Sir Henry Blake, accompanied by Chief Justice Sir William Goodman, lays the foundation stone in a ceremony on 12 November.
1903 - 1912: Construction of the superstructure by Chan A Tong.
1912: Governor Sir Frederick Lugard and Chief Justice Sir Francis Piggott formally open the building at a ceremony on 15 January.
1912 - 1941: Used as the Supreme Court and offices of the Attorney General and Crown Solicitor.
Construction Data
Start and Finish Dates: Construction started in 1900 and was completed in 1912, and as mentioned with the official opening on January 15, 1912. The prolonged construction period (nearly 12 years) was typical for government projects of the era, partly due to logistical challenges and the complexity of the design.
Costs Involved: Specific cost figures for the construction are not well-documented in available sources, as historical records from the early 20th century often lack precise financial details. However, the use of locally quarried granite and the intricate neo-classical design suggest significant investment, typical of colonial prestige projects.
Size: The building occupies approximately 2,660 square meters (28,600 square feet), with dimensions of about 70 by 38 meters (230 ft × 125 ft).
Basement: The building includes a basement, which has been adaptively reused as the Architectural Heritage Gallery. This basement, of high heritage value, was vacated and repurposed to showcase the building’s historical significance. There are no specific stories or legends about the basement in available records, but its preservation underscores its structural and historical importance.
Construction Details: The building was erected on reclaimed land, with a foundation of hundreds of Chinese fir tree trunks driven into the mixture of reclamation materials and silt, creating a “floating” timber raft foundation. A groundwater replenishment system maintains the necessary water level to stabilize this unique foundation.
Site Selection and Proximity to Statue Square
The site at 8 Jackson Road, Central, was chosen for multiple reasons, with its proximity to Statue Square being a significant factor. Statue Square, a prominent public space in colonial Hong Kong, was surrounded by key institutions like the Hong Kong Club and the Legislative Council, making it a symbolic and practical center of colonial governance. The location enhanced the building’s prestige, aligning it with the heart of British administrative power.
Additionally, the site was on reclaimed land, which was increasingly available in Central due to extensive reclamation projects in the late 19th century, providing a stable platform for construction. The choice also facilitated accessibility for legal professionals and the public, given its central location near other government buildings and transport links. The juxtaposition with Chater Garden to the east and Statue Square to the west further emphasized its role as a civic landmark.
click on the image to enlarge
The Iconic Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong - 2025
Design and Construction Company
The building was designed by British architects Sir Aston Webb and Ingress Bell, renowned for their work on projects like Buckingham Palace and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Their neo-classical design, characterized by Ionic columns and a symmetrical layout, reflected colonial architectural ideals of grandeur and authority. The construction was overseen by the Hong Kong colonial government’s Public Works Department, though specific contractors are not detailed in available records. All granite used was locally quarried from Hong Kong Island and the mainland, emphasizing local resources.
Timeline of Uses (1912–2025)
1912–1983: Served as the Supreme Court of Hong Kong, housing major judicial proceedings.
1941–1945 (Japanese Occupation): Used as the headquarters of the Kempeitai (Japanese Military Police).
1978–1981: Temporarily vacated due to structural damage from MTR construction, with the Supreme Court relocated to the Former French Mission Building. Restoration work was undertaken during this period.
1985–2011: Housed the Legislative Council, known as the Legislative Council Building, after the Supreme Court moved to the High Court Building in Admiralty.
2015–2025: Reverted to judicial use as the home of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal, following renovations to restore its heritage features. The opening ceremony was held on September 25, 2015, led by Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma Tao-li.
Role During Japanese Occupation (1941–1945)
During the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong (December 1941–August 1945), the building was repurposed as the headquarters of the Kempeitai, the Japanese Military Police. This role transformed it from a symbol of British justice to a center of wartime administration and control, where the Kempeitai conducted interrogations and enforced military rule.
There is no specific evidence in available sources of significant war-related damage, such as from bombings or artillery, suggesting the building’s robust granite construction helped it remain intact. Its survival contrasts with other structures, like parts of Queen’s College, which were destroyed during the occupation. The building’s use by the Kempeitai likely spared it from neglect or destruction, as it remained a functional asset. Post-war, it resumed its judicial role with minimal recorded restoration needs until the MTR-related damage in 1978.
Protected Status by AMO
The exterior of the Court of Final Appeal Building was declared a monument in 1984 by the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO) under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance. This status ensures that the building cannot be altered without approval, prioritizing its preservation due to its historical and architectural significance. The interior is classified as Grade 1, indicating outstanding merit for preservation, with features like ceiling mouldings, arches, and the historical cell area (now the Architectural Heritage Gallery) carefully restored or adaptively reused.
The Statue of Themis
The building is crowned by a 2.7-meter-high blindfolded statue of Themis, the Greek goddess of justice and law, holding a sword and scales, symbolizing impartiality and authority. This statue, inspired by the one at London’s Old Bailey, was a deliberate nod to British judicial tradition, reinforcing colonial legitimacy. The statue is positioned atop a pediment with the inscription “Erected AD MDCCCCX” (1910), though the building opened in 1912.
The pediment also features the British royal coat of arms, with emblems of England, Scotland, and Ireland, further tying the building to colonial heritage. The statue’s prominence makes it a focal point for photographs and a symbol of the rule of law in Hong Kong.
This statue was never counted as being in Statue Square (along with the other 10 statues prior to 1941) as it is on the roof of the building which is next to not in Statue Squre.
Speculation on Multiple Uses
The building’s diverse uses—Supreme Court (1912–1983), Kempeitai headquarters (1941–1945), Legislative Council (1985–2011), and Court of Final Appeal (2015–present)—stem from its robust design, central location, and symbolic significance. Its neo-classical architecture and sturdy granite construction allowed it to withstand structural challenges, such as MTR construction, making it adaptable for various governmental functions.
The proximity to Statue Square and other civic landmarks ensured its continued relevance, as it remained a natural hub for high-profile institutions. During the Japanese occupation, its selection as Kempeitai headquarters likely reflected its status as a prominent government building. Post-war, the need for flexible civic spaces led to its use by the Legislative Council when the Supreme Court relocated. The return to judicial use in 2015 reflects a desire to restore its original purpose while preserving its heritage, aligning with Hong Kong’s emphasis on maintaining historical landmarks amid rapid urban development.
Popularity with Wedding Photographers
The Court of Final Appeal Building is a popular backdrop for wedding photography due to its striking neo-classical architecture, featuring grand Ionic columns and the iconic statue of Themis, which provide a majestic and timeless setting. Its location in Central, adjacent to Statue Square and Chater Garden, offers a picturesque urban contrast with greenery and open spaces, ideal for romantic photos amusingly you can have 3 sets of happy couples there at one time!
The building’s historical significance and well-preserved exterior, illuminated at night, add elegance and solemnity, appealing to couples seeking a sophisticated aesthetic. Its accessibility and prominence in Hong Kong’s cityscape further enhance its appeal as a photogenic landmark.
Additional Data
Architectural Features: The building’s neo-classical style includes a symmetrical rectangular plan, supported by Ionic columns, with a pediment and royal coat of arms facing Statue Square. The interior features restored elements like ceiling mouldings, arches, and the “Bridge of Sighs” remnants, connecting courtrooms.
MTR Impact: In 1978, the building was severely affected by vibrations from MTR construction, necessitating significant restoration. This event underscores the challenges of preserving heritage buildings in a modernizing city.
Cultural Significance: As one of Hong Kong’s few remaining colonial-era buildings, it contrasts with the city’s modern skyline, embodying a blend of history and contemporary function. Its role in the judicial system post-1997 handover highlights Hong Kong’s unique legal autonomy under “one country, two systems.”
Visitor Experience: The building is recommended for daytime visits to appreciate architectural details or at dusk/evening when illuminated, enhancing its solemn appearance.
Local Perception, Feng Shui, and Supernatural Stories with regards to this Colonial Building
The monkey on the back so to speak
This is purely some personal thoughts of mine based on stories I have heard over the past 53 years living in Hong Kong whilst talking to multiple sources including my wife’s older Chinese relatives who have always proven to be very helpful in allowing me to understand a little bit about Hong Kong Chinese Culture and I also understand that the war time occupation from 1941 - 1945 is a sensitive subject.
Among local Hong Kong Chinese, the building is regarded as a historical landmark, symbolizing the city’s colonial past and judicial continuity. Its neo-classical design and prominent statue of Themis contrast with traditional Chinese architectural aesthetics, making it a point of interest.
There are no widely documented stories of bad feng shui specifically tied to this building, unlike the Bank of China Tower, which faced criticism for its sharp angles. However, Hong Kong’s cultural emphasis on feng shui means the building’s location on reclaimed land and its imposing Western style may have sparked minor speculation about energy flow, though no specific records confirm this. I should point out that I have seen a few small articles decades ago.
Similarly, no prominent ghost stories or tales of bad spirits are associated with the building in available sources, despite its Kempeitai history, which could have fueled such narratives. Its central location and well-maintained status likely contribute to a positive local perception, often overshadowed by its use in wedding photography
The Court of Final Appeal Building, located next to Statue Square in Hong Kong, has a rich history that may contribute to the local perceptions and stories you’ve heard from your wife’s relatives. The building, originally constructed in 1912 as the Supreme Court, served various roles over time, including as the headquarters for the Japanese Kempeitai (military police) during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong (1941–1945).
This period was marked by significant hardship and atrocities, which may have given rise to the local belief in the building being "full of ghosts" due to its association with suffering and death. Below, I’ll address your query about documentary evidence regarding Hong Kong Chinese residents who died in the Court of Final Appeal Building during this period, as well as the lack of significant press reporting on this topic.
Documentary Evidence of Deaths in the Court of Final Appeal Building
There is limited specific documentary evidence pinpointing the exact number of Hong Kong Chinese residents who died within the Court of Final Appeal Building (then the Supreme Court Building) during the Japanese occupation. However, historical records provide context about the building’s use and the broader atrocities committed by the Kempeitai, which may explain the local perceptions:
Kempeitai Headquarters and Atrocities:
During the Japanese occupation (December 25, 1941–August 1945), the Supreme Court Building served as the headquarters for the Kempeitai, the Japanese military police responsible for maintaining order and suppressing resistance. The Kempeitai was notorious for its brutal tactics, including arrests, interrogations, torture, and executions of civilians and suspected resistance members.
War crimes trials conducted in Hong Kong after World War II, as documented in the Hong Kong War Crimes Trials Collection, detail Kempeitai activities across various locations in Hong Kong, including their headquarters. For instance, Colonel Noma Kennosuke, the Kempeitai commander from December 1941 to February 1945, was prosecuted for war crimes involving the ill-treatment of civilian residents, resulting in deaths and physical suffering.
The charges included mismanagement of detention facilities, torture, and illegal executions, though specific locations like the Supreme Court Building are not always explicitly named in these records.The trials indicate that the Kempeitai detained and interrogated civilians in various facilities, including police stations and other makeshift detention centers. While the Supreme Court Building was their administrative and operational hub, it’s unclear how many interrogations or executions took place specifically within its walls versus other nearby locations, such as King’s Park in Kowloon, where executions were documented.
Lack of Specific Data on Deaths in the Building:
No precise records from the war crimes trials or other historical sources provide a definitive count of Hong Kong Chinese residents who died specifically in the Supreme Court Building. This could be due to several factors:
Incomplete Records: The Japanese authorities did not maintain detailed public records of their victims, and many documents were destroyed or lost by the end of the war.
Generalized Reporting: War crimes trials often focused on broader patterns of abuse rather than specific locations. For example, charges against Kempeitai officers like Noma Kennosuke refer to "places of detention" across Hong Kong, which may include the Supreme Court Building but do not isolate it.
Focus on Broader Atrocities: Historical accounts emphasize large-scale massacres, such as the St. Stephen’s College massacre, where Japanese troops killed wounded soldiers and medical personnel, or the execution of civilians in rural areas like the Silver Mine District.
These events overshadow smaller, less-documented incidents at specific sites like the Supreme Court Building.Estimates of civilian deaths during the occupation are broad. For instance, it’s estimated that around 10,000 Hong Kong civilians were executed, with many others tortured or killed under Japanese rule, but these figures are not broken down by specific locations.
Anecdotal and Cultural Context:
Some older local residents may have belief that the Court of Final Appeal Building is "full of ghosts" and this likely stems from its association with the Kempeitai’s brutal activities. In Hong Kong’s cultural context, places linked to death, suffering, or injustice are often considered spiritually charged or haunted.
The building’s historical role as a Kempeitai hub, combined with the lack of public acknowledgment or memorialization of specific atrocities there, may have fueled local folklore.
Your observation that it appears that some people avoid the sidewalks around the building aligns with feng shui principles, which emphasize the flow of energy (qi) and the avoidance of places associated with negative events or "yin" energy (linked to death or misfortune). The absence of crowds near the building, despite the bustling Statue Square being less than 10 yards away, could reflect a subconscious or culturally ingrained avoidance based on these beliefs. (in a nutshell)
Why Limited Press Reporting?
The lack of significant press coverage about the building’s association with deaths during the Japanese occupation could be attributed to several factors:
Historical Sensitivity and Focus:
Post-war Hong Kong focused on rebuilding and reconciliation, and press coverage often prioritized recovery, economic development, or broader historical narratives over specific sites of trauma. The Japanese occupation was a painful period, and detailed reporting on specific locations like the Supreme Court Building may have been deprioritized to avoid inflaming tensions or revisiting trauma.
Major atrocities, such as the Nanjing Massacre or the St. Stephen’s College massacre, received more attention in historical narratives and war crimes trials, overshadowing smaller or less-documented incidents at administrative buildings like the Supreme Court.
Cultural and Superstitious Sensitivities:
In Hong Kong, discussing "ghosts" or negative spiritual associations with a prominent public building could be seen as culturally sensitive or inauspicious, particularly in a city where feng shui and spiritual beliefs influence public and private spaces. Media outlets may avoid such topics to respect these cultural norms or to prevent sensationalism.
The Court of Final Appeal is a symbol of justice and governance in modern Hong Kong. Highlighting its dark history might be perceived as undermining its current role, leading to reluctance in media coverage.
Limited Public Access to Specific Records:
The war crimes trial records, while detailed, are academic and archival in nature, housed in collections like the Hong Kong War Crimes Trials Collection at the University of Hong Kong. These are not widely accessible to the general public or mainstream media, limiting their use in popular reporting.
Without specific survivor testimonies or declassified documents explicitly linking the Supreme Court Building to a high number of deaths, journalists may lack the evidence needed for comprehensive reporting.
Shift in Public Focus:
Over time, public interest in Hong Kong has shifted toward contemporary issues, such as political developments, economic challenges, or social movements. Historical events from the 1940s, while significant, may not attract sustained media attention unless tied to specific anniversaries or new discoveries.
Feng Shui and Local Perceptions
Your observation about the sparse foot traffic around the Court of Final Appeal Building compared to Statue Square is intriguing and aligns with feng shui principles and cultural attitudes toward spaces associated with death or suffering. In Hong Kong, feng shui plays a significant role in urban planning and daily life, and buildings with negative historical associations are often avoided due to perceived bad energy. The building’s history as a Kempeitai headquarters, where interrogations and possibly executions occurred, could contribute to its reputation as a place of "ghosts" or negative energy. This perception may be reinforced by:
Oral Histories: Stories passed down through families, like those from your wife’s relatives, often preserve memories of wartime suffering that are not well-documented in official records.
Cultural Memory: The Supreme Court Building’s role during the occupation may be part of collective memory in Hong Kong’s Chinese community, even if not widely discussed in the press.
Feng Shui Design: Modern buildings in Hong Kong often incorporate feng shui principles to mitigate negative energy. However, the Court of Final Appeal Building, as a historical structure, may not have been retrofitted with such considerations, reinforcing its negative perception.
Conclusion
While there is no definitive documentary evidence specifying the number of Hong Kong Chinese residents who died in the Court of Final Appeal Building during the Japanese occupation, its use as the Kempeitai headquarters suggests it was a site of significant suffering, likely including interrogations, torture, and possibly executions.
The lack of precise records is consistent with the broader challenges of documenting wartime atrocities, particularly at specific locations. The local belief in the building being "full of ghosts" likely stems from its historical role and cultural attitudes toward spaces associated with death, which may explain the avoidance of its sidewalks. The limited press coverage could be due to cultural sensitivities, the focus on broader historical narratives, and the lack of accessible, specific records.
If you’re interested in exploring further, you might consider:
Visiting the Hong Kong War Crimes Trials Collection at the University of Hong Kong Libraries, which provides access to trial records that may mention the Supreme Court Building.
Consulting local historians or cultural experts who specialize in Hong Kong’s wartime history for oral histories or unpublished accounts and engaging with community groups or elders who may have preserved oral traditions about the building’s wartime use.
So there you go
My insider tip
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