Today in Kimberley's History
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Zulu King Cetshwayo dies - 1884
King Cetshwayo was born to Mpande, who was King Shaka’s half brother in 1826. His father declared him his successor very early on in life, which was unusual for a King to do. As Cetshwayo grew older, he began to undermine his father’s authority and assumed control of the kingdom. By the time Mpande died, he was only King by name as Cetshwayo had long taken over the decision making. The British grew worried as they watched Cetshwayo’s military power grow rapidly. The British orchestrated a plan to annex the kingdom. The Zulus were given an ultimatum; Cetshwayo should forsake his sovereignty and his army should disarm. When Cetshwayo rejected the ultimatum, war broke out. The Zulus won the battle of Isandlwana but lost the battle of Ulundi. He died on 8 February 1884. Despite a prior attempt to assassinate him, it is possible that his death was caused by a heart attack, rather than the poisoning rumored at the time.
King Cetshwayo was born to Mpande, who was King Shaka’s half brother in 1826. His father declared him his successor very early on in life, which was unusual for a King to do. As Cetshwayo grew older, he began to undermine his father’s authority and assumed control of the kingdom. By the time Mpande died, he was only King by name as Cetshwayo had long taken over the decision making. The British grew worried as they watched Cetshwayo’s military power grow rapidly. The British orchestrated a plan to annex the kingdom. The Zulus were given an ultimatum; Cetshwayo should forsake his sovereignty and his army should disarm. When Cetshwayo rejected the ultimatum, war broke out. The Zulus won the battle of Isandlwana but lost the battle of Ulundi. He died on 8 February 1884. Despite a prior attempt to assassinate him, it is possible that his death was caused by a heart attack, rather than the poisoning rumored at the time.
116 days since beginning of the Siege of Kimberley, 1900
Extract from "The Diary of a Doctor's Wife – During the Siege of Kimberley October 1899 to February 1900" by Winifred Heberden.
We had a quiet morning, but the afternoon from 4 o'clock till dark was distinctly noisy. Quite 29 shells from the 100 pounder falling in different parts of the town, with others from smaller guns, and our own guns responding at intervals. One man was killed, and a good deal of damage done to the town. All the shops were deserted and closed up. About the last shot from the big gun set on fire a large shoe shop which was completely gutted. This is the first fire caused by the shelling.
Extract from "The Diary of a Doctor's Wife – During the Siege of Kimberley October 1899 to February 1900" by Winifred Heberden.
We had a quiet morning, but the afternoon from 4 o'clock till dark was distinctly noisy. Quite 29 shells from the 100 pounder falling in different parts of the town, with others from smaller guns, and our own guns responding at intervals. One man was killed, and a good deal of damage done to the town. All the shops were deserted and closed up. About the last shot from the big gun set on fire a large shoe shop which was completely gutted. This is the first fire caused by the shelling.