The imposing Post Office Building in the town's centre. Of enormous importance to the economic development of Cradock was the construction of the Orange ~Fish River Tunnel.
Published Dec 4, 2024
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Cradock, officially Nxuma, was founded in 1815 by Dutch farmers but named by Sir John Cradock. The town, in the Eastern Cape, lies in the upper valley of the Great Fish River. On a recent visit for my cousin's 50th birthday party, I discovered this beautiful hamlet with a great historical past.
Wholesome farm food served in beautiful surroundings in the town’s only hotel.The town's main landmark is the regal Old Dutch Reform Mother Church built from local sandstone. This neo-classical church with its Doric pillared portico and imposing steeple is similar in design to St Martins in the Field Church on London's Trafalgar Square.The Victoria Hotel takes centre stage in Cradock s Market Street Precinct.We went river rafting along the mighty fast flowing Great Fish River.Taking tea in the magnificent wood panelled library of the Victorian Manor Hotel which has been restored to glory and the epitome of a grand old gracious establishment.Revamped vintage cottages bought by the Victoria Hotel line the length of the street creating a quaint atmosphere of a bygone era.Cradock in the Eastern Cape, is a tiny town encapsulated in a time warp. When I visited this hamlet I found it full of charm, history and beauty. Pictures: Dr Norman Cahi. Original brass door knobs and solid wooden doors in the cottage we stayed in, pure love was obviously poured into its restoration.Our group did a mini hike through the Mountain Zebra National Park. We sited the most glorious mountain flora, but never spotted zebras.One of SA s greatest literary legends, Olive Schreiner lived in this tiny flat roofed cottage on Cross Street from 1867 to 1870. It is now a museum devoted to her life and works, most notably The Story of an African Farm.Cradock’s streets are lined by Oak trees which were declared a national monument. This town is one of the Cape s chief centres of the wool industry and also producer of beef, dairy, fruit and mohair.
