A brief history of Bridge View, since 8th-Dec-1842
Excerpt from the Book "SHIMLA PAST & PRESENT" by Sir Edward James Buck
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Sir Edward John Buck, a seasoned civil servant and ardent historian, infused the narrative with personal observations.
The First Page of "SHIMLA PAST & PRESENT"
A Brief History of Bridge View
This excerpt is drawn from Simla, Past and Present, a historical account authored by Sir Edward John Buck and first published in 1904. The inaugural edition was printed by the Government of India Central Press for Messrs Thacker Spink and Company, located at 8 Hastings Street, Calcutta.
Dedicated to Lord Curzon: Viceroy of Empire
With official permission, this book was dedicated to His Excellency Lord Curzon, then Viceroy and Governor-General of India.
This dark image in green-black colour is the first page after the Hard Cover
Publishers Page
Preserving Print Heritage
This digitized edition of Simla, Past and Present was sourced from the University of California’s eLibrary.
The Official Stamp of Empire
This page illustrates that the book was printed by the Government of India Central Press, operating from Hastings Street, Calcutta.
Printing Credentials
Where Heritage Meets Typograph
This title page from Simla, Past and Present reveals its 1904 printing by the Government of India Central Press in Calcutta.
The Author’s Loyal Acknowledgment
This page formally honors Lord Curzon, then Viceroy and Governor-General of India, with a respectful dedication by the author.
Preface Contents
Framing Simla’s Story
The preface of Simla, Past and Present outlines the author’s intent to make the subject accessible.
PREFACE MADE READABLE
PREFACE CONTENT TO BE WRITTEN HERE
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Where History Lingers
Contents of a Bygone Era
The table of contents reveals a rich tapestry of Simla’s colonial life—its institutions, homes, dramatic arts, and social circles.
Bridge View: Past in Stone
Chapter VIII mentions about Bridge View in the Chapter "Some Old Houses and their Owners".
Original Content about "Bridge View"
Content of "Bridge View"
TYPED CONTENT ABOUT BRIDGE VIEW
As an instance of the remarkable changes which continue to take place in Simla may be mentioned Bridgeview situated above the Combermere Bridge. The 'pottah,' or lease, granting the land on which this house is built is dated the 8th December 1842, and is signed by John C. Erskine, Sub-Commissioner, North-West Frontier, Simla being then on the actual frontier of the British possessions in India. Even in these early days, the necessity for protecting the Simla forests from denudation was recognised, as the 'pottah' stipulated that no trees of whatever description should be cut without the Sub-Commissioner's sanction. The fifty yards of building ground comprising the estate was subject to an annual quit rent of Company's rupees ten, payable in advance.
Content of "Bridge View"
TYPED CONTENT ABOUT BRIDGE VIEW
The first owner of the property was Mr. Barrett, a large house proprietor, and the house as erected by him was single storeyed with a mud roof. The property next passed into the possession of a local merchant, named Esanoolla, for Rs. 2,335. In 1870, Mr. Patterson purchased the estate for Rs. 2,750, and in 1874, it was bought by the late Mr. L. J. Arathoon, a well known local solicitor, for Rs. 5,000. The last owner added an upper storey with an iron roof, and generally improved the house. The property being centrally situated has naturally much increased in value.
Bridge View REGENCY: Where Past Meets Present
Content of "Bridge View"
Bridge View Regency: A Legacy Preserved
In the mid 1960's, the property was acquired by Late Shri Bishamber Nath Malhotra. It was later passed on to his three sons, leading to its bifurcation. The present reference is to Bridge View Regency, which occupies the original and authentic location of Bridge View as mentioned by Sir Edward John Buck in his 1904 book Simla, Past and Present
Content of "Bridge View"
A Historic Home, A Modern Identity
Formerly known as Bridge View Hotel, the title is legally held by the current owners, Mukesh Malhotra and his son Ankit Malhotra. In 2010, the property was renamed Bridge View Regency, a name it proudly retains to this day.
A Few Old Pictures around "Bridge View"
Jakhu Hill - Shimla
Jakhu Town—nestled in Himalayan mist, rooftops cascade down forested slopes, echoing colonial charm, serene devotion, and timeless mountain spirit.
The Bridge1842
The Bridge on which "Bridge View" was named. Combermere Bridge—arched grace over flowing waters, framed by pines and colonial echoes.
The Bridge 1904
Combermere Bridge, 1904—stone elegance spans Shimla’s valley, linking colonial grace with pine-clad hills and horse-drawn echoes of empire.
In 1870's
The Location of Bridge View
From Jakko’s heights, Shimla unfolds—layered rooftops, forest whispers, and distant peaks echoing colonial grace and timeless Himalayan serenity.
Chirist Church & The Ridge 1870
Christ Church Ridge, 1870—steeple watches over colonial rooftops, misty hills, and quiet hills. Faith and empire etched in sepia silence.
