Many think of District Six as a bustling, densely populated city neighbourhood, but it wasn’t always so. Originally, the area loosely referred to as ‘Behind the Castle’ in old Cape Almanacs, consisted of a few scattered market garden estates (such as Zonnebloem, Bloemhof, Werkerslust and Hope Lodge) with large homesteads, vineyards and grazing land, all accessed by a few farm roads that were later formalized into District Six thoroughfares, such as Hanover Street. As we know, District Six was largely demolished by the apartheid government. This talk will focus on some of those early buildings, a few of which are, surprisingly, still standing. It will include information about some of the archaeological finds that have been unearthed in the area over the past 20 years.

 

Jim Hislop’s second book “Behind the Castle” is lavishly illustrated with old artworks, photographs, maps and drawings, some of which are published for the first time. This limited edition is a treasure trove for lovers of old buildings, bygone eras and the forgotten corners and characters of Cape Town. It will be available at the meeting. 

Cash only price – Pensioners: R320; Other: R350. 

Order forms for EFT purchase will be provided.