Old Fort

About Old Fort

EThekwini, more commonly known as Durban, is the most popular city of the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, and has a host of incredible sites to explore and things to do. In addition to its commercial and cultural value, it is also a place with a rich history and heritage.

The Old Fort is one of these historical gems, and comprises gardens and a museum. It was named after the camp in which the British were besieged by the Boers in 1842, which they then occupied until 1897. Thereafter, it was neglected for some time, until Colonel Molyneux decided to take the initiative to revamp the building and its gardens.

Today, these both remain as testimony to the fantastic job that he did and the import of the Old Fort in its time. For this reason, it was declared a National Monument and is now maintained by the Durban City Council, the Historical Monuments Commission and the Royal Durban Light Infantry Comrades Association.

The garden is peppered with memorials and other historical features and is brimming with beautiful trees and flowers, making them a delight to explore on foot. Helpful plaques along the way ensure that visitors learn about the Old Fort and its unique history.

What were once the old barracks rooms have now been renovated to serve as retirement accommodation for ex soldiers and their wives. The little chapel on site provides a historical trip with its many tablets and brasses to commemorate and recognise the likes of Dick King and John Ross.

On display is also a gun from the wreck of the Grosvenor, which sank on 4 August 1782, as well as a timber seat from the Southampton war ships. All of these mementoes provide important insight, and promise visitors to this country a nostalgic peek into the South Africa of yesteryear.