Coedmore Castle: Landmark of Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve

NESTLED amid the verdant expanse of Yellowwood Park, where the Umhlatuzana River flows, Coedmore Castle stands as a testament to both history and resilience.

Constructed in 1885 by Dering Stainbank, an early settler in Natal, this grand stone building originally served as a farming homestead but has since transcended its humble beginnings.

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Jenny Keith, the great-granddaughter of Dering Stainbank and granddaughter of Kenneth Stainbank, shares profound insights into the castle’s rich heritage. “Coedmore symbolises far more than just a residence for our family; it embodies our legacy and our dedication to preserving nature,” she reflects.

Dering Stainbank’s journey from England to Durban in 1857 at the age of 16 marked the beginning of a remarkable legacy. Acquiring land on the south bank of the Umhlatuzana River, known as ‘nDaba nKulu’, he repurposed a site with historical significance, once hosting a cattle kraal of Zulu King Shaka. With the aid of skilled Scottish stonemasons, the castle rose from stones quarried on the farm, reflecting Stainbank’s ambition and heritage.

Initially, the farm cultivated coffee and naartjies before transitioning into a dairy farm, supplying milk to neighbouring communities.

Beyond its architectural splendor, Coedmore Castle holds historical significance as a sanctuary of refuge. During the African-Indian riots of 1949, amid widespread unrest, over 2 000 members of the Indian community found safety within its walls, with no recorded attacks or loss of life.

Inheriting the castle, Kenneth Stainbank honoured his forebears’ legacy by preserving the natural habitat. He donated land to establish a Nature Reserve, now managed by KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife, and eventually gifted the castle to the State.

With the passing of Jenny Keith’s mother, Elizabeth Keith, in 2019, the family’s stewardship of Coedmore Castle transitioned. The expiration of the usufruct, which ensured their involvement, now places the responsibility of maintenance on the Department of Public Works.

As the fate of Coedmore Castle hangs uncertain, Jenny Keith holds hope that decisions regarding its future will honour its legacy, inspiring stewardship and preservation for generations to come.

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