The Kensington Castle is 104 years old this year and remains full of mystery and wonder.
It has been described as one of Johannesburg’s most impressive places and Kensington’s pride.
It was built in 1911 by Englishman, Samuel Scott Wilson.
He used the same stone the castle stands on from the southern edge of the koppie to build the castle.
Inspired by love, Wilson built the castle for his wife Kate MacKirdie.
She agreed to marry him on condition that he built her a castle. Wilson was honoured to oblige the request.
Upon arrival in Johannesburg, Wilson started immediately on the castle and the couple moved into the castle in 1911.
According to history documents, Kate’s father worked in the Rothsay Castle in Scotland and it is believed the castle’s impressive design is a replica of the Rothsay Castle.
The castle has 10 rooms on four levels. Its walls are one metre thick with battlements and two walk-on roofs with a ship’s cannon in the garden.
The Wilsons lived in the castle for only a few years and were forced to sell after falling on hard times.
Over the years, ownership has changed and in 1973 it was bought by the Van den Speck family.
Since then, the castle has been owned by the same family. Changes were made to the castle’s design over the years.
The east wing was demolished. A huge dining room with battlements and a second walk-on turret were added.
A cottage, garage and a pool were added after some time.
As the castle has been in existence for more than 60 years, the Kensington Heritage Trust submitted a provincial heritage site nomination in 2014 to the provincial heritage resources authority of Gauteng.
The application would grant the Kensington Castle heritage protection and thus prevent it from being demolished or rezoned.
The Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation is currently in consultation with the relevant stakeholders with regards to the application.
The City of Joburg recognises the Kensington Castle as one of four castles around the city and acknowledges it heritage value.
