Colenso

This small town on the banks of the Tugela river, surrounded by the foothills of the Drakensberg, was the focus of a major battle which cost the British one thousand dead.

Originally called Commando Drift it was renamed after the Bishop of Natal - William Colenso - who learned Zulu and translated the New Testament. He was so popular with the Zulus that he was called 'Sobantu' - Father of the People. He created a crisis in the church by refusing to compel polygamous Africans to divorce their surplus wives and by questioning the literal interpretation of the Bible.

He was excommunicated but on appeal had his position confirmed by the Privy Council. He strongly criticized the 1879 Zulu War and died in 1883.

Attractions

The small museum was originally the old toll house and is next to the Police Station (from where the keys may be obtained) and was named after R.E. Stevenson who specialized in battles fought in and around Colenso during the Boer War. The museum displays a variety of badges, medals, photographs and historic memorabilia.

Many cemeteries and monuments relating both to battle of Colenso and that of Tugela Heights are found close to the town. Historic sites close to the town are the military cemeteries at Ambleside, Chieveley and Clouston and the battlefields of Colenso and Tugela Heights. Close to the town is the small Tugela Drift Nature Reserve (KwaZulu Wildlife) where one can obtain good views of the battlefield and enjoy a picnic.