Just above the Settlers Park main car park is a short trail that leads to the remains of a couple of trenches that date back to the Anglo Boer War. A couple of years back when the area was cleared the trenches were rediscovered and the trail was laid out. It was actually found that the trenches was marked on maps of the time. Although the Anglo Boer War (1899 - 1902) didn't take place in Port Elizabeth, the British was concerned that the Boer may decide to invade the city and decided to have trenches dug and fortifications built. Some of those fortifications can still be seen at Van Stadens.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Boer War Trenches
Just above the Settlers Park main car park is a short trail that leads to the remains of a couple of trenches that date back to the Anglo Boer War. A couple of years back when the area was cleared the trenches were rediscovered and the trail was laid out. It was actually found that the trenches was marked on maps of the time. Although the Anglo Boer War (1899 - 1902) didn't take place in Port Elizabeth, the British was concerned that the Boer may decide to invade the city and decided to have trenches dug and fortifications built. Some of those fortifications can still be seen at Van Stadens.
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I had no idea that these trenches are there! Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteAs I understood from the Historical Society the rush to fortify the town was when Jan Smuts came as close as Jansenville but then suddenly turned west. It has always been strange that this was where they started t fortigy the town as a Boer invasion would have held almost half the town beyong this defensive line..!
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