The History of Knysna

NATURAL GUARDIANS

Standing tall and proud are two sandstone monoliths who ‘watch over’ the entrance to Knysna from the Indian Ocean. Known commonly as ‘The Heads’, it is the most iconic natural barrier for this stunning town. However, the Heads are just as dangerous as they are beautiful. The currents between these two guardians are treacherous, and have sunk more ships since the time of exploration; and has a temper to match that of the Roman god of the Sea; Neptune - whose temper could change from calm to storms without warning.

Whether in calm or stormy weather, The Heads has proven itself time and again as the greatest antagonist to ships; be it small fishing boats to great schooners and brigs. No matter what technology mankind may perfect in years to come, nature will always have the upper hand.

EUROPEAN SETTLERS

The first recorded history of Knysna dates back to 1760. Stephanus Jesaias Ter Blans was the first farmer to settle in the Knysna area. He named the farm Melkhoutkraal, which was established in 1770 along the east bank of the Knysna river. This farm stretched from the Indian Ocean to today’s Long Street. The massacre of colonist farmers took place on 15th October 1802, at the place known as De Poort, near the Garden of Eden. This event occurred during the Third Frontier War when a group of renegades plundered farms along the Langkloof and coastal regions; harassing farmers from Plettenberg Bay to the Kaaiman’s River near George.

Farmers from Plettenberg Bay returned to the Cape in fear of their lives but were ambushed at De Poort. Four men were killed and the women and children were taken as hostages. Thankfully, they were released later on. It would take another few years before any activity took place in Knysna after the October Massacre, and in 1804, George Rex would be the founder of this town.

George Rex (1765 - 1839), who was alleged to be the illegitimate son of King George III (commonly known as ‘Mad King George’, and the ‘king who lost the American Revolution’), settled down with his family on the shores of Knysna’s lagoon. The land was surrounded by indigenous forests, and so began Knysna’s rise to fame for its timber trade.

Because timber proved difficult to move by ox-wagons, George Rex proposed to build a harbour and in 1817, the Royal Navy brig ‘Emu’ made its first attempt to enter the lagoon. On 11th February 1817, she struck a rock between the Heads, but was able to beach on the sandbanks close to present-day Leisure Island. Later that year, the ship ‘HMS Podargus’ arrived to fetch the crew and cargo of the Emu. The commander of HMS Podargus, James Wallis determined that the only way to safely navigate through the Heads was to steer the ship close to the Western Head.

Models of these ships can be viewed at the Knysna Museum.

HISTORICAL SITES - HOLY TRINITY CHURCH BELIVDERE

This beautiful church was built in the Norman style of the 11th and 12th century architecture, and was commissioned by Thomas Henry Duthie, who owned the Belvidere Estate from 1833 to 1857. Thomas bought the land from his father-in-law, George Rex, and decided that a church should be added as a place of worship for his family, friends and servants.

The entire pulpit (except for the parapet) was carved out of a single stone, and was nicknamed ‘The Monster Stone’. The bell was cast in England, and while en-route to Belvidere, it was dropped overboard and lay underwater for several months before it was retrieved and placed above the main door.

The roof consists of 3000 slates and the building boasts of sandstone, shaped by three Scottish masons.

The church was finally consecrated by the Bishop of Cape Town on 5th October 1855. Since then, the church carried the family nickname of ‘Duthie Church’. The last direct descendant to hold the Duthie Estate was Miss A.V, Duthie, a botanist who died in 1963. She was commemorated by the stained glass window in the north wall, and her grave lies under the oaks of the churchyard, along with many other members of the family and friends of their generation.

Today the church is a National Monument and a popular tourist attraction.

THE ROYAL HOTEL

In 1856, Captain Thomas Horn ran a tavern called ‘ST. George’s Tavern’, which was later enlarged with corrugated iron structures. In 1867, Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh (second son of Queen Victoria) arrived in Knysna and took part in Elephant Hunting. He spent a night at the tavern, and was then renamed The Royal Hotel. The building remained in the Horn family until 1930, when Donald John Fraser purchased it. Renovations took place immediately, and the hotel was officially opened on 10th December 1939. Since then, the hotel also has a gym, offices and retail shops.

The Royal Hotel is situated on the corner of Main and Queen Street.