1880 – The Porter Rhodes Diamond

On 12 February 1880, one of Kimberley's most famous diamonds was discovered in the Kimberley Mine, better known today as the Big Hole.

The magnificent rough diamond weighed 153½ carats and was found in the mining claim of Porter Rhodes, an American-born mining entrepreneur who had become one of Kimberley's most successful diamond dealers. Because of its exceptional colour and clarity, the stone was regarded as one of the finest diamonds ever recovered from the Kimberley Mine. Known as the Porter Rhodes Diamond, it quickly attracted international attention. At a time when many Europeans still believed South African diamonds were inferior to those from India, the discovery helped demonstrate the extraordinary quality of Kimberley's gems.

The diamond was later shown to Queen Victoria at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. It is said that Empress Eugénie of France, upon seeing the magnificent stone, questioned whether such a beautiful diamond could really have originated in South Africa. Over the years, the diamond was recut several times to improve its brilliance. Although much smaller than the original rough stone, it remains one of the world's most celebrated historic diamonds and a lasting reminder of Kimberley's extraordinary contribution to the global diamond industry.

Did You Know?

The Porter Rhodes Diamond was admired by Queen Victoria and later recut by renowned jeweller Laurence Graff, who described it as one of the finest historic diamonds ever to pass through his hands.

1900 – Waiting Beneath the Diamond Fields

120 days since the beginning of the Siege of Kimberley

The strain on Kimberley's civilian population reached new heights on 12 February 1900.

During the previous night, hundreds of anxious women and children gathered at the entrances to the De Beers and Kimberley Mines, desperate to escape the shellfire that had become an almost daily reality. Rumours spread that the Boer bombardment would intensify once Sunday had passed, creating scenes of panic as families rushed to secure places underground. The mine cages could carry only six people at a time, and with hundreds waiting their turn, it took until nearly four o'clock in the morning to lower everyone to safety. Their luggage and blankets had to remain behind until the last civilians had descended into the mines.

From Beaconsfield, Winifred Heberden watched the day's bombardment begin over breakfast. A lookout stationed on the Sanatorium's conning tower kept watch on the Boer gun positions. Whenever the tell-tale puff of smoke appeared from Long Tom, a gong was sounded to warn everyone to dive for cover before the shell arrived. In Kimberley itself, a bugle and steam hooter performed the same vital service.

That morning, one shell landed only about 50 yards from where Winifred and her family were sitting among the rocks. "Jack shouted 'Lie down!' so we fell under the shoulder of some big boulders nearby, and down came the shell within 50 yards of us!" Shaken but unharmed, they moved further into Beaconsfield, where they watched the bombardment continue from the relative safety of the Magistrate's house.

Adding to the frustration was the absence of the Diamond Fields Advertiser. Publication had been suspended after an editorial criticised the military authorities for downplaying the dangers faced by Kimberley's civilians and for refusing to acknowledge the devastating effect of the Boer six-inch gun publicly. Despite the constant shellfire, optimism was beginning to grow. News had spread that Lord Roberts' relieving force was drawing closer, and many believed the siege's end could finally be only days away.

Did You Know?

During the final days of the siege, civilians learned to judge how long they had before a shell landed by watching for the puff of smoke from Long Tom. The warning gong, bugle and hooter often gave them just enough time to find cover.