Former Nagasaki British Consulate

Overview

The Former Nagasaki British Consulate was built after the signing of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1858, marking Nagasaki's commencement of free trade and diplomatic affairs. Initially built as a trading post for Dent & Company, it was taken over by the British government as a consulate in 1867 following the company's bankruptcy. It was relocated to its current site in 1886, designed by William Cowan, chief engineer of the Shanghai Office of the Public Works Bureau, and completed in 1908. The Former Nagasaki British Consulate showcases Queen Anne architectural style. Its imposing red-brick structure embodies the international atmosphere of its time. The building houses numerous documents and exhibits offering a glimpse into the consulate's past and the diplomacy of the era. The grounds also feature well-preserved ancillary buildings, including gates and walls, adding to the historical ambiance. The Former Nagasaki British Consulate is not merely a historical building; it's a valuable record representing a significant part of modern Japanese diplomatic history. While currently undergoing preservation and repair, and therefore not open to the public, it will eventually be unveiled once again.