The Battlefields - Legends of the Zulu Kingdom

Battles and Sites

Vaalkrans:
General Buler belived that Vaalkrans a hilly area further downstream from Spioenkop, was 'the key to Ladysmith'. On the 5 February 1900 he launched his third attempt to relieve Ladysmith.

The British managed to drive the Boers off the southern section of Vaalkrans. However, they were unable to place artillery on this portion or dislodge the Boers from the remainder of Vaalkrans and Green Hill. As a result Buller decided to withdraw his forces for the third time.The site is close to where the Harrismith-Estcourt freeway crosses the Thukela River.

Spioenkop Battlefield:
The most intense phase of the battle took place during 23-24 January 1900. This was the scene of the most futile , certainly the bloodiest, of the four battles fought in an effort to cross the Uthukela River and relieve Ladysmith. Towards Winterton from Ladysmith, off the R616. Due North of the Spioenkop Dam. For more information please consult the Spioenkop Battlefield section under the Ladysmith pages.

For more information about the above or the following attractions contact the Winterton Information Bureau.

zoom Monument to the South Lancashire Regiment on the site of the Battle of Spioenkop.

Monuments and Memorials

Spearmans Military Cemetery:
Site of a field hospital where many men died of wounds received at Spioenkop.Off the Ladysmith - Winterton Road, +/- 1km, passed Spioenkop Nature Reserve 036-637 2231.

Marianne Church Ruins:
This was the Second Dutch Reformed Church to be built in Natal, and was in use from 1852 to 1874. It was named after the wife of the D.R.C. Minister, Dr Faure. The ruins of this old church near Winterton are a declared national monument. Located on Farm Doveton in the Winterton area.

Museums

The Winterton Museum
This small museum situated in Church Street is well worth a visit. The museum has fasinating dispalays on the history of farming in the area, the Zulu and a unique gallery of San paintings. The other exhibits include a blacksmith shop, the voting for the 'New South Africa' and the battles of Spioenkop and Vaalkrans which took place nearby. Open Monday to Friday 09h00 -15h00, Saturday 09h00 - 12h00.Tel.(036)4881885.

zoom Winterton Museum

Other Cultural Attractions

Strydpoort Laager
Built before the Anglo-Zulu War and later called Fort Eldorado. 15 km East of Winterton Emmaus Mission Station.The station was founded in 1847 by Revs. C.W. Posselt and W. Guldenpfenning of the Berlin Mission Society. They worked with the Amangwane people under Chief Zikhali, a son of the Chief Matiwane. Access is from the road to Cathedral Peak,from Winterton.

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