Norwegian settlers in spotlight at history society
One thing is for sure, the South Coast is peopled by the descendants of intrepid explorers from all corners of the globe.
Members of the Southern Natal History Society gathered together recently for their monthly meeting at Uvongo Tennis Club to follow up on an article published by the South Coast Herald, highlighting the Norwegian Settlers arrival upon these shores.
Chairman Paddy Norman had asked Susan Farrell – who had written the relevant article – to prepare a talk for the members in this regard.
Susan opened the presentation with the members respectfully listening to a wonderful rendition of the Norwegian national anthem on YouTube.
Susan said she had researched the Norwegian settlers as far back as 5000 BC. “They were a hardy nation of hunter/gatherers, initially centred around Oslofjord, with a diet consisting mainly of fish and reindeer,” said Susan.
Ranging from 1500BC to 500BC, agricultural settlements spread throughout the entire south Norway, while the inhabitants of the region north of Trondelag continued to hunt and fish.
In 1814, Norway, after having lost the war with Denmark, was ceded to the king of Sweden.
After a short war with Sweden, Norway accepted a treaty with this country and King Charles XIII was appointed king on November 4, 1814. This union was dissolved in 1905.
Germany occupied Norway between 1940 and 1949 during the Second World War, after which, Norway joined NATO.
Oil was discovered in 1969 and by 1995, Norway was the world’s second largest exporter of this commodity.
By the 21st century, Norway had become one of the world’s most prosperous countries.
A lively question and answer session ensued, with members recounting their own respective countries’ settlement history on the South Coast.
One thing is for sure, the South Coast is peopled by the descendants of intrepid explorers from all corners of the globe.
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