Matjiesfontein

Matjiesfontein - The Lord Milner Hotel

Matjiesfontein was founded in 1884 by the legendary James Douglas Logan. It has become well known for its splendid historical buildings and in testament the entire Village was restored in 1970 and declared a National Historic Monument.

Today one can take a trip on an Old London Bus that does a daily tour, have a glass of wine aboard an original steam train, have dinner at the hotel or visit one of its two museums (including the car museum). Matjiesfontein is a great country getaway where you can relax and enjoy the serenity only found in this part of the world.

The Milner Hotel offers excellent facilities to cater for your wedding or conference. http://www.matjiesfontein.com/

The Victorian Staircase.

The Station

The history

Next to the transport museum, is a large, grassy field which was once a cricket pitch. The first international game of cricket played in South Africa was at Matjiesfontein on this very field, with Lord Hawke's team, where George Alfred Lohmann was the bowler.

In June 1897, the African Banking Corporation opened a branch at Matjiesfontein. The handsome bank building was put up by Logan and was completed in only seven weeks' time. There was a large gathering present when Logan unlocked the doors of the new bank and formally welcomed the manager, Mr. R.F. Aling. The bank immediately commenced business with a large sum of money being deposited.

Although the Standard Bank has its name on the door, it is no longer operational and is now used as a small museum which is part of the reception area.

DAVID DUNCAN RAWDON 1st August 1924 - 13th August 2010 "LAIRD of MATJIESFONTEIN" from 1968

Sutherland

What is the story of the British Soldier that was buried in the wrong place

The Boer War linkage.

(our bikes ready to be loaded - Met a sexist security guard on the station: When asked why the train is late he replied - "since they have have appointed women as drivers the train is always late!") Charl Heydenrych/Gail Day).

The end of the cycling trip from Upington