Pietermaritzburg

History

Before defeating the Zulus at the battle of Blood River, the Voortrekkers made a vow that should they be victorious, they would erect a church in honour of the triumph.

After defeating Dingane in 1838, they chose a fertile site on the banks of the Umsinduzi river, duly erected the Church of the Vow in 1842 and named their new city (originally called Bushmansrand) after their leader murdered by Dingane - Pieter Mauritz Retief - and another of their leaders, Gerrit Maritz.

This pretty city is surrounded by hills on all sides and was laid out with a central market square and streets wide enough to accommodate the turning of 32-oxen wagons.

For the first year, the town operated more as a laager than a town and only after this period were any buildings constructed. A centrally situated 'raadzaal' (meeting house) was built and behind it a large market square on which the many ox wagons that would either pass through or visit the city selling produce, ivory and skins could outspan.

In 1854 the city developed the essentially British colonial character it still possesses and became the Provincial Capital of Natal, complete with Legislative buildings and Supreme Court. Fortunately these and many other buildings (39 altogether) have been carefully preserved and one can still come across mounting blocks and hitching rails.

Today