Monuments In Makhanda
Friday, 6th September 2024
Makhandians are characteristically proud of their city's rich historical heritage, a pride reflected in the meticulous preservation and enhancement of its many historic buildings and monuments, which continue to stand as enduring symbols of the past. The city’s architectural landscape showcases a blend of colonial and Victorian styles, with landmarks like the Winged Angel of Peace supporting a dying soldier stands in front of the Commemorative Methodist Church bearing testimony to the region's storied past and inspiration of peace. This commitment to maintaining the city's historic fabric not only preserves its cultural identity but also offers visitors a glimpse into Makhanda's deep-rooted history.
Here is a quick glimpse at some monuments:
1820 Settlers Monument
From its position on Gunfire Hill the Monument commands sweeping views of the city and surrounding Eastern Cape countryside. Completed in 1974, it is the home of the Grahamstown Foundation, which his best known for organising the annual National Arts Festival, although the theatre, lecture halls, art gallery, restaurant and conference facilities are in use throughout the year.
Men Of Albany Monument
On the traffic island in High Street stands the 'winged figure of Peace' which graces a monument to 'the Men of Albany' who lost their lives in the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902. The sculpture is by Stanley Nicholson Babb and Rudyard Kipling specially wrote the inscription. The site was chosen as one which was 'in the midst of our daily work and so would serve as a perpetual remembrance of the dead and be an inspiration for peace'.
Grahamstown Centenary Memorial
It can be found on the central island in front of the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. George. Popular history has it that this is where the thorn tree grew beneath which Col. John Graham and Capt. Andries Stockenstrom decided upon the location of the military headquarters of the Eastern Frontier in 1812. Hence the name, Graham's Town. The foundation stone of the monument was laid by General J C Smuts at a commemorative ceremony 100 years later. The bronze relief plaque on it honouring the Pioneer Women depicts the legendary heroism of Elizabeth Salt, who reputedly carried a keg of gunpowder to the troops during the Battle of Grahamstown on 22 April 1819. She benefited from a noteworthy Xhosa custom not to harm women in warfare.
For more historic attractions, click here.
Photograph caption: Winged Figure of Peace by Ançoisè Horner. The Winged Angel of Peace supporting a dying soldier stands in front of the Commemorative Methodist Church and commemorates those who have fallen in the Anglo Boer War (1899 – 1902). This site was chosen as it is situated “in the midst of our daily work” and would be seen often, serving as a inspiration of peace.
