In October 1931, the British administration announced increased taxation in Cyprus. The people, especially the Greek Cypriots reacted strongly. They could not afford to pay higher taxes. After gathering at the main square in Nicosia, and listening to many speeches, a crowd of young men set off to Government House to demonstrate against this decision. Be it by accident, or be it on purpose, these young men threw fire and very soon the wooden building of Government House turned into ashes. Pieces of the Union Jack, once flying above Government House, were collected by Nora Waterer and her friend Phyllis Ridgway, as you can see in the photo. The Cypriots not only paid higher taxes but also had to pay towards the rebuilding of a new Government House.
mmr-00039-1 > Relics of the Union Jack which flew over the Government House and was burnt in the uprising of 1931, Fabric, 1931
You can see this exhibit up close, along with many others, in the 3rd-floor exhibition room of CVAR.
