Embark on a historical journey with Blockhouses, resilient guardians that stood firm during the Anglo-Boer War, protecting vital connections and structures. These small fortresses, strategically placed by the British, were pivotal in securing military installations like railway lines, bridges, and supply routes.
THE BLOCK HOUSE MUSEUM
Welcome to the fascinating world of Blockhouses.
DISCOVER OUR MUSEUM
Explore the rich history of Blockhouses at our museum, situated at the start of the Mule Trail hike on R512 Pelindaba Road. Immerse yourself in the past, then venture on a 6km circular hike. Wrap up your day with a delightful meal and drinks at 1969, our on-site pub and restaurant.
EXPLORE FURTHER
For in-depth exploration, delve into the Block Houses on the Mule Trail and the renowned Battle of Kalkheuwel here.
Embark on a captivating journey at our museum, where each exhibit echoes the resilience and significance of Blockhouses during the Anglo-Boer War.
UNVEILING BLOCKHOUSE LEGACY
Explore the essence of Blockhouses, compact fortresses strategically poised to protect assets during the Anglo-Boer War. Serving as both residence and defense, these structures, known as “The Blockhouses,” safeguarded crucial military installations.
DIVERSE DESIGNS: STONE TO CORRUGATED SHEETS
Stone fortresses like the Elliot Wood Pattern emerged early, imposing and crafted to withstand artillery. A shift brought the Rice Pattern Blockhouse—cost-effective, made from veld stone and corrugated iron. Varied designs, from windmill-style to Medieval-like castles, showcased the diversity of over 9,500 constructed by the war’s end in 1902. About 100 endure weather, repurposing, and vandalism.
ELLIOT WOOD PATTERN
RICE PATTERN
VARIED DESIGNS
UNVEILING THE STRATEGY
In the unfolding drama of the Anglo-Boer War, the construction of blockhouses was an adaptive response, not part of the original British strategy. Triggered by Boer Forces’ offensive operations after invasions of Natal, the Cape Colony, and the Boer Republics, blockhouses became crucial elements in the stretched lines of communication from coast to inland, heavily reliant on railway lines.
Strategic Defense Layers:
The Elliot Wood Pattern Blockhouses, strategically positioned at key points, initially defended major railway bridges.
Guarding Railway Tracks:
As the war shifted to the Guerrilla Phase, over 7,000 Rice Pattern Blockhouses were strategically deployed at ½ mile intervals along railway tracks.
Expanding the Defensive Net:
Recognizing South Africa’s vastness, blockhouse lines extended ‘across-country,’ forming a net to ensnare Boer Commando units.