Cape Town - Historical Snippets

Although it currently feels like we are all living in a bubble with the current Global Pandemic of Covid-19, we have come a long way from the days of horse and cart, frock and hat, sepia photographs and much more….so here are a few interesting snippets from long ago.

Chapman’s Peak Drive

“Chappies” was opened in 1922 and offers a route between Hout Bay and Noordhoek.

Hout Bay Cape Town

Prince Arthur of Connought, the Governor-General of the country at the time, stated that the attraction of the drive “would more than compensatefor nearly being blown out of your car in a South Easter” The Peak is named after John Chapman who rowed ashore in 1607 when his ship anchored in Hout Bay. Big cats used to roam this area so look out for the bronze leopard crouched on a rock just past Chapman’s Peak Hotel on the Hout Bay side.

The views are incredible and it really is a must do despite the toll fee.

The Ruins above Chapmans Peak Cape Town

The Pipe Track

This 7km hike is well known amongst both locals and tourists.

It starts from the parking lot opposite Signal Hill Road and winds around the lower, back of Table Mountain. There are heavy pipes along the path that go back to the 1880’s – it was ordered that the Woodhead Tunnel be built on Table Mountain. Water was led from the Disa Gorge Rivulet to the Molteno Reservoir in Oranjezicht via these pipes. The name of the trail refers to the are over which the pipeline was laid!!

Just Nuisance, Simonstown

Just Nuisance, a Great Dane puppy, was born in 1937 and belonged to Benjamin Chaney who ran the United States Institute in Simon’s Town during World War 2. This incredible dog followed the sailors everywhere and was even known to stop brawls by standing on his hind legs and pushing his paws against the sailor’s chests. Just Nuisance was enlisted in 1939, signing his “papers” with a paw mark! He often rode the trains and took many a sailor back home to Simonstown! Early in 1944 Just Nuisance was discharged from the Navy after a car accident which left him suffering with gradual paralysis. Just Nuisance was sadly put to sleep on his 7^th birthday and laid to rest with full military honours. There is a statue in Jubilee Square, Simonstown in commemoration of this incredible dog.

Lady Anne Barnard

Way back in 1757 Andrew Barnard and his wife arrived in the Cape. Lady Anne was one of the earliest travel writers and she kept diaries of her travels into the interior. The Barnards lived in the Castle of Good Hope for 5 years where she earned a reputation for all the socials that she hosted. Lady Anne is also known as the first lady to climb Table Mountain in 1797 albeit with an entourage carrying provisions for lunch at the top! A book, “South Africa a Century Ago”, was published in 1901 from the many letters, sketches and journals that Lady Anne wrote.    

Castle of Good Hope Cape Town

Spices in Bo-Kaap

One of the oldest Spice Traders, Atlas Traders in the Bo-Kaap is situated at 104 Wale Street.With names like Dukkah Spice, Falooda Mix, Father-in-Law Masala, Harrissa Paste and Moong Beans, this shop is worth a visit. Family owned since around 1948 it caters for the Bo-Kaap community and others who step inside! Their current website offers a number of authentic recipes like Babotie, Biryani, Pickle Fish, Lamb Korma, Butter Chicken and more.

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