About Prince Alfred's Guard Drill Hall
The Prince Alfred's Guard Drill Hall stands on the corners of Castle Hill, Prospect and Daly Streets in Port Elizabeth's centre, conveniently close to many Port Elizabeth hotels. The beautiful building, built in 1880, is the headquarters of one of the oldest volunteer regiments in South Africa - the Prince Alfred's Guard (PAG) Regiment.
Did you know? The cannon and exhibits are not automatically open to the public. Contact staff on duty to find out if it suits them.
The regiment emerged in 1856 in an attempt to raise local volunteer troops to help regular troops, and functioned as a guard of honour to Prince Alfred, Queen Victoria's second son, when he visited South Africa in 1860. At the time they were known as the Port Elizabeth Volunteer Rifle Corps. The Duke of Edinburgh allowed them to adopt his name after his visit to the city.
Its status as a reserve unit is on a par with that of a British Army Reserve or American Army National Guard and its members served in the Xhosa Wars, the Anglo Boer War, World War One, the Union Defence Force, World War Two, and in border conflicts in Angola and Namibia.
Its Victorian architectural style and Edwardian façade today houses the regimental museum alongside other military exhibits, including the 'miracle cannon' - one of the most perfectly preserved of the bronze cannons rescued from the wreck of the Sacramento (1647) at Schoenmakerskop. The cannon is a wonderful example of the work of master cannon founder, Pedro Dias Bocarro, said to have made the best cannons in the world (you can see another of these cannons at the start of the Sacramento Trail at Schoenmakerskop).
The drill hall has fulfilled other roles in its time, in particular it functioned as a hospital during the South African War (1899-1902). But it has also hosted balls, theatre productions and been a roller skating rink. It was designed by Storey and Wilson who apparently worked for the railway at the time, and gave of their services free of charge.
Need to Know
WherePrince Alfred's Guard Drill Hall, Castle Hill, Prospect and Daly Streets in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Port Elizabeth Accommodation, Eastern Cape
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inAttractions near Central Hill
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Port Elizabeth
23 On Glen Guest House
23 on Glen offers bed & breakfast accommodation in seven comfortable rooms in central Port Elizabeth. All rooms have a TV with DStv, Wi-Fi and te...
Tyday Accommodation
Tyday offers accommodation in three self catering units and one backpacker unit. The accommodation is located in the heart of Port Elizabeth near...
Lemon Tree Lane
Ideally situated in the heart of Mill Park, Port Elizabeth\'s garden suburb in walking distance of the golf course, bowling club and Greenacres S...
Corner House Accommodation
Corner House Accommodation is located in the suburb of Summerstrand in Port Elizabeth. This self catering accommodation offers warm hospitality, ...
Hacklewood Hill Country House
Hacklewood Hill Country Estate is an elegant and stately residence set in the peaceful surroundings of the leafy suburb of Walmer. Superbly decor...
Palm Villa
Palm Villa offers comfortable bed and breakfast in a leafy forest estate. The six hectare property is a hidden treasure with a calm and relaxing ...
Studio 3 on 2nd
Studios on 2nd Studio 3 is an exquisite self-catering cottage, ideally situated just 50 meters from Hobie Beach. Perfect for a family or a group ...
39 on Nile Guesthouse
39 On Nile Guest House offers affordable accommodation in Port Elizabeth. All rooms have DStv Compact that includes sports channels, movie channe...
Things to do in the area
Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra
If you enjoy the smooth sounds of classical music, then you should not miss the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra in action at the stunning Fea...
No 7 Castle Hill
No 7 Castle Hill was completed in 1830 and is now regarded as one of the oldest surviving settler cottages in Port Elizabeth. The interior presen...
Port Elizabeth Library
The gorgeous building of the Port Elizabeth Main Library is found in the north-west corner of Market Square in Port Elizabeth. The building was o...
Mannville Open Air Theatre
Every year the Port Elizabeth Shakespearean Festival stages an open-air production of one of the works of William Shakespeare, at the Mannville o...
Natti's Thai Kitchen
Natti's Thai Kitchen has been a Port Elizabeth institution for more than a decade, having earned a respected reputation for its outstanding and a...
Old Austria
The Old Austria Restaurant is a tribute to the charm and elegance of eating out as it was generations ago. It is conveniently situated on Westbou...
Stage Door Restaurant
The Phoenix Hotel, which houses the Stage Door Restaurant, is the oldest in Port Elizabeth. History permeates every aspect of this institution, n...
The Donkin Reserve
The Donkin Reserve is one of the best known historical attractions in Port Elizabeth, telling a fascinating story of the discovery and developmen...
Route 67 Art and Heritage Walk
Late in 2011, timed for launch on Heritage Day, the new art project route known simply as Route 67 was opened to the public. Nelson Mandela Bay h...
Accommodation convenient to Prince Alfred's Guard Drill Hall
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Eastern Cape Accommodation / Sunshine Coast Accommodation / Port Elizabeth Accommodation