The Old Fort always to be remembered

The Old Fort at Constitution Hill is recognised for a lot more than just jailing a number of influential struggle stalwarts – it’s history goes far beyond that.

The Old Fort is where the late former President, Nelson Mandela, was held for many years.

The staff at the exciting venue are still able to tell tourists and local visitors all about the daily life of the influential South African icon.

Long before Mandela called Con Hill home, it was used for a number of functions.

The Old Fort was built around the previously constructed gaol – which was the more common spelling of the word we now know as ‘jail’, between 1760 and 1830. During the 1890s a prisoner’s entrance was built, which is still in use today.

It has been said the public at the time believed that the entrance was a passage leading deep underground where the prisoners were supposedly kept.

The fort was built by convicts as a means to control the town, railways and mines, and troops were stationed there for this purpose. During the South African War (better known at the Second Anglo-Boer War) at the turn of the 20th century, the fort was used as a station for South African troops but was conquered by South Australian Mounted Rifles.

The City of Joburg remembers the fort for its surrender to the South Australian Mounted Rifles who, after seizing it, made use of the building for what was named the Cheshire Regime and they kept the South African flag as a trophy.

There are many exciting reasons to visit Constitution Hill, so make sure to get there today.

Details: www.constitutionhill.org.za