Himeville Fort and Museum

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Himeville Fort and Museum is a historical attraction located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Originally built as a fortified laager, the Himeville Fort was completed in 1900 and was used as a prison until its closure in 1972. Today, the fort and its surrounding buildings house the Himeville Museum, which is said to be one of the best rural museums in the province.

About the Museum

The Himeville Museum is a large complex of buildings, including the warders’ house, cells, the armoury, workshops, parade ground, and additional buildings erected to house some of the exhibits. The warders’ house is furnished much in the style of 1900 and comprises a typical living/dining room, kitchen, bedroom, and nursery.

The old cells house exhibits such as wildlife exhibits, local pioneering records and photographs, a Post Office/telephone exchange, a schoolroom, rock art, and other items associated with the Bushmen of the area, and beadwork and other artefacts of the local AmaBhaca community.

The old armoury houses a variety of exhibits, while a modern addition houses a number of farming and dairy implements and a display of relics from the Boer War, World War I, and World War II. Around the parade ground are displayed several agricultural implements, carts, and wagons, as well as a blacksmith’s forge and workshop.

Interesting Facts

The stone buildings which now comprise the Himeville Museum were built from 1896 to 1899 as the last of Natal’s loop-holed forts.
The museum covers the Bulwer, Underberg, and Himeville communities and commemorates the way of life of all the erstwhile inhabitants of the last frontier of Natal.
The Himeville Museum is affiliated with the KZN Provincial Museum Service and was declared a National Monument in 1981..

Physical Location

Conclusion

If you’re a history buff or just interested in learning about local culture, a visit to the Himeville Fort and Museum is a must. With its wide range of exhibits, from fossils and stone age artifacts to a comprehensive display on the Bushmen, the early settlers, and African beadwork and artifacts, there’s something here for everyone.