The historic suburb of Belgravia plays host to 33 of the Kimberleys' most historical sites. Much of the Kimberley’s opulent lifestyle of days gone by and its characteristic architecture can be seen on this interesting two kilometre circular walk.
The 33 places of interest are:
- The McGregor Museum
- No 3 Egerton Road
- Halfway House Inn
- No 9 Egerton Road
- The Girls High School
- This beautiful building, diagonally over the way from 22 Elsmere Road (see below), has stood here since 1887, designed by the architect DW Greatbatch (many of Kimberley’s buildings were his designs). The school used to have boys and girls in separate wings of the building.
- No 22 Elsemere Road
- No 18 Elsemere Road
- Houses of Colonel Sir David Harris
- Christian Brothers' College
- Nazareth House
- The Keg & Falcon
- Sister Henrietta Nursing College
- Battle of Square Hill Memorial
- Violet Bank
- This was one of the most beautiful examples of domestic architecture at the turn of the century, when it was built. It still boasts the original wrought-iron fence, imported from Glasgow, and if you look carefully you’ll see that they built a summer house on the roof as a retreat from the mozzies in a bid to catch any cool breezes. I wonder if it helped? My perception of rooms in the roof is that they’re even hotter than the house.
- Masonic Temple
- Make sure that you include this on the walk. Not only is it a rather handsome building, but inside is one of the most beautiful examples of stained glass windows in the city. The gorgeous oak staircase is pretty impressive as well.
- Statue of Sister Henrietta Stockdale
- The Cathedral Church
- Statue of Cecil John Rhodes
- Colonel Sir David Harris
- The Drill Hall
- Violet Bank
- Queens Park
- Rudd House
- The haunted house, Rudd House is one of several venues on the Ghost Walk in Kimberley. You just have to get a look at its low eaves, and the way it is set right back from the street, to imagine that the paranormal claims of a baby crying in the nursery, the shattering crash of cutlery and crockery falling to the floor, and the sound of breaking glass just might be true. For a tour of the house contact the McGregor Museum.
- Cape Police Memorial
- Site of the Belgravia Mine
- No 7 Lodge Road
- No 11 Lodge Road
- No 10 Lodge Road, Dunluce
- Wow. What a home this must have been. Dunluce was also designed by DW Greatbatch and built in 1897 for a member of the Diamond Syndicate, who was also the Director of the Diamond Fields Advertiser, Gustav Bonas. The late Victorian house still has its original wooden façade and most of the original furnishings. You can contact the McGregor Museum if you want a tour of the house.
- No 13 Lodge Road, The Grange
- Duggan-Cronin Gallery
- If there is one gallery or museum that you visit, make it this one (and the McGregor Museum, of course, housed in the Sanatorium). The photographic exhibition of Alfred Duggan-Cronin of southern Africa’s indigenous people, taken between 1919 and 1939, reveals a traditional life now largely vanished. I was struck by the courtesy and care with which the photos were taken.
- Alex Memorial Gardens.
- You can pick up a copy of your Belgravia Walk map and details from the McGregor Museum, in Egerton Road, or from reception at the Kimberley Club, in Currey Road
- The map suggests starting and ending at the McGregor Museum, but this is not necessary; you can start and end anywhere along the route that suits you
- If you have limited time, make sure to include Lodge Road as the houses along here are of the finest on the route
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