Photos

This was taken at Fort Schanskop, close to the Voortrekker Monument.

After the Jameson Raid in 1896, Pres Paul Kruger of the "Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek" decided to protect Pretoria by constructing forts in strategic places. Initially eight forts were to be built, but due to a shortage of funds, only four were completed.

Fort Schanskop was completed in 1897 and was built in such a way to avert possible attacks on Pretoria. By mounting revolving artillery on the embankment of the fort, attacks from all directions could be warded off.

At the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer war the soldiers and armament were transferred to the Natal front, leaving the fort undefended. After the invasion of Pretoria by Gen Roberts, the British occupied the forts.

In 1938 the Historical Monument Commission declared Schanskop a historical monument. It is now a museum covering the Anglo-Boer War for the period 1899-1914. There is a photographic display on various aspects of the Anglo-Boer War.

On this shot you can see the doors leading to the different rooms of the fort, as they were used at the time. Those rooms now house photographic displays around that specific aspect of the war. For instance in "Stal" (stable) you'll see photographs on the role of the horse in the war. "Hospitaal" portrays the medical conditions, and in "Manschappen" you'll see portraits and short biographical sketches of the Boer generals. You can also see a photographic overview of the war, displays on the arms and ammunition of Boer and Brit as well as the history of the Fort.

Apparently this is a popular venue for conferences and weddings. Part of the renovations also include a small amphitheatre that is used for concerts and church services.

I took this from the steps of the amphitheatre. Unfortunately I couldn't zoom out any more than what I did. I can picture soldiers tying their horses to this tree.

PP: Cropped, removed a huge flagpole that was jutting up behind the tree.