Ladysmith Attractions
Ladysmith is a lively town on the main road between Durban and the Transvaal, situated in a thriving agricultural area (maize, soya, barley, fruit and vegetables; stock-farming).
The first European settlers in the area founded the town in 1847, declaring it capital of the Klip River Republic. The ''republic'', however, lasted only a few months before the area was brought under British control. The town was then named after the wife of Sir Harry Smith, Governor of the Cape.
During the Boer War (1899-1902) Ladysmith was under siege by the Boers for 120 days before being relieved by General Sir Redvers Buller. A number of important battles were fought round the town (at Wagon Hill, Caesar's Camp, Lombard's Cop and Umblawana Hill).
The first European settlers in the area founded the town in 1847, declaring it capital of the Klip River Republic. The ''republic'', however, lasted only a few months before the area was brought under British control. The town was then named after the wife of Sir Harry Smith, Governor of the Cape.
During the Boer War (1899-1902) Ladysmith was under siege by the Boers for 120 days before being relieved by General Sir Redvers Buller. A number of important battles were fought round the town (at Wagon Hill, Caesar's Camp, Lombard's Cop and Umblawana Hill).
Bloukrans Monument
The Bloukrans Monument, 18km/11mi south of Colenso on R 74, commemorates a bloody battle between Zulus and Boers in 1838.
Colenso, South Africa
(Near Ladysmith)
25km/15mi south of Ladysmith is Colenso, in an area which was also the scene of fighting during the Boer War - commemorated by a number of monuments and the Robert Stevenson Museum. From Tugela Drift Nature Reserve (area 98ha/242ac) there is a view of the battlefield of Colenso.
Siege Museum
The Siege Museum, adjoining the Town Hall, displays mementos and documents on life in Ladysmith during the Boer War.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 12:00 | 11:30 |
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