Blog - Page 9 of 27 - KZN: A Photographic Historical Record

11 Nov Greystone Farm – Estcourt

Posted at 12:59h in KZN Photo Record Blog

[caption id="attachment_113705" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Greystone Farm front facade.[/caption] Greystone Farm overlooks the upper reaches of the Wagendrift Dam on the Bushmans River. The farm was occupied by the Boers in 1838 and the battle of Vegt Laier took place on this property, (site under water) and...

30 Sep Sir Rider Haggards Home

Posted at 18:29h in KZN Photo Record Blog

If you are travelling anywhere along the way past Newcastle, a stay over at Sir Rider Haggard's home, built in 1875 is well worth a visit. Rider Haggard, was the author of 'King Solomon's Mines', 'Jess', 'She ', amongst other books. The old house has...

06 Sep Weston College – Horse Memorial

Posted at 09:03h in KZN Photo Record Blog

Weston College, Mooi River, was an important remount station during the Anglo Boer War (1899 - 1902). The original farm, Mount Victoria was the base and at some point in time had up to 9000 horses being acclimatized and made ready for war purposes. During...

23 Aug Coedmore Castle – Stainbank Nature Reserve

Posted at 18:18h in KZN Photo Record Blog

These images were taken with the permission of a member of the Stainbank family of Coedmore Castle in Stainbank Nature Reserve. The stunning mural on the wall in their home was created by Mary Stainbank and depicts the life and times of the family. It...

27 Jul Shaka’s Rock – Groutville – Itshe likaShaka

Posted at 06:55h in KZN Photo Record Blog

This monument and stone is to the south of Stanger, near Groutville and has commanding views to the north and south. It is said that Shaka used the rock as a seat to review his impi's on maneuver. This monument is also close to the Groutville...

24 Jul Helen Bridge 1866 – Mooi River

Posted at 13:15h in KZN Photo Record Blog

The Helen Bridge, about 3 kilometers downstream of Mooi River, is one of the oldest remaining bridges in KZN. The bridge was opened on 19 November 1866, by Colonel JJ Bisset, Administrator of Natal. The bridge is named after his second daughter, Helen. The bridge was...

24 Jul General Redvers Buller’s faithful dog ‘Yalu’

Posted at 12:54h in KZN Photo Record Blog

Whilst photographing at Weston College, Mooi River, I came across the grave of General Buller's, faithful dog 'Yalu", that died in 1907, and is buried alongside one of the old farm houses used as a billet by the British. I couldn't help thinking that the faith...

07 Jun Lions River Railway Station put to creative use.

Posted at 12:48h in KZN Photo Record Blog

[caption id="attachment_113437" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Lions River Railway Station[/caption] Wherever one goes in South Africa, one comes across the utterly criminal waste of Transnet's assets. At every railway station and siding, with few exceptions, the buildings have been neglected, invaded by vagrants and their value destroyed. Most...

16 May Durban harbour Victorian Railings

Posted at 13:21h in KZN Photo Record Blog

I received an email from Alison Chadwick who was browsing my site and came across the Victorian railings that run along the sea side of the road directly alongside the shoreline. She informs me that these railings as well as the gates into the Pietermaritzburg...

13 May Fort Nottingham in Autumn

Posted at 13:50h in KZN Photo Record Blog

[caption id="attachment_113411" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The road to Fordoun Spa near Nottingham Road[/caption] The Fort Nottingham farming area is highly productive, with dairy, agriculture, being the main commerce. The villages of Fort Nottingham and Nottingham Road, were started in the mid 1800's and at the time were...