Founded in 1813 on the banks of the Great Fish River to cater for the migratory farmers who settled in this ruggedly beautiful area with its excellent grazing, abundant water and healthy climate, Cradock today is a thriving agricultural community which specializes in the production of wool and mohair and in cattle farming.

Cradock has witnessed much of South Africa’s history.  The Great Trek originated here and from neighbouring districts; and the ostrich boom of the early 1900s graced farmers in the area with a prosperity only now resurging with the demand for fine leather and low-cholesterol meat. Cradock is probably best known for its natural sulphur spring, now the source of the town’s modern spa.

But there are other reasons visitors are attracted to Cradock. The original part of town is graced with some of the finest buildings, like the Dutch Reformed Church, a national monument and designed to look like London’s St Martin’s-in-the-field, and the Olive Shreiner House Museum, devoted to the authoresses life and works. Olive was said to write the novel ‘The Story of an African Farm’ whilst working as a governess on farms in the district, and much of her early life was spent in the town.

The town’s streets are lined with Ilex Oak Trees, particularly on Dundas Street, where they have been declared a national monument. The Old Water Mill, completely restored, is worth a visit; and the Great Fish River Museum is a must see when visiting this town.

Things to do & see:

• Olive Schreiner House

This was also the home of the famous South African authoress, and a fine example of Karoo architecture.

• Olive Schreiner Grave

A three to four hour hike to the summit of Buffelskop Mountain.  The grave of the authoress, her husband, baby & dog will be found here.

• Great Fish River Museum

A museum in the converted second Dutch Reformed parish.  Its theme is the settler lifestyle from the time of the second British occupation of the Cape in 1806.

• Ilex Oak Trees

The city is adorned with these distinctive trees, which, on Dundas Street, have been declared national Monument.

• Old Water Mill

An old yellowwood watermill, restored to its original glory.

• Egg Rock

A 10m high rock formation 8km out of town.

• Congregational Church

The Rev Robert Taylor for whom the church was built, is buried under the pulpit after renovations to the church meant the new pulpit was built directly over his tomb.

• Dutch Reformed Church

A national monument, designed in a style similar to London’s St Martin’s-in-the-Field church.

• Mountain Zebra National Park

A sanctuary for the rare Cape Mountain Zebra. The park also features the historical Doornhoek House Museum.

Pictures of Cradock:

Egg Rock

Dutch Reformed Church

Olive Schreiner House

Cradock

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This entry was posted on Monday, October 17th, 2011 at 10:46 am and is filed under Places of Interest. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.