1900 – Rumours of Relief Raise Hopes

108 days into the Siege of Kimberley

By the end of January 1900, the people of Kimberley had become accustomed to living on rumours as much as on rations.

On 31 January, a telegraphed report arrived via Lourenço Marques and Modder River, claiming that Colonel Herbert Plumer had relieved the besieged town of Mafeking on 23 January. The news spread rapidly through Kimberley. Winifred Heberden wrote that the report gave many residents almost as much joy as if Kimberley itself had been relieved.

Throughout the siege, people had often wondered how the defenders of Mafeking were coping. If conditions in Kimberley were becoming desperate, surely those in Mafeking must be suffering even more. Sadly, the report proved to be false. The real relief of Mafeking would not come until 17 May 1900, more than three months later.

Other news received that day was less encouraging. Reports confirmed that British forces under General Sir Charles Warren had withdrawn from Spion Kop after suffering heavy losses during one of the most famous battles of the South African War. Colonel Robert Kekewich reportedly described the setback with typical understatement, calling it simply "a nuisance."

The day's conflicting reports illustrated the uncertainty of life during the siege. Telegraph messages and heliograph signals travelled quickly, but verifying their accuracy was often difficult. Hope and disappointment frequently arrived together.

Did You Know?

During the Siege of Kimberley, rumours often travelled faster than armies. Residents sometimes celebrated victories that later proved to be false, while genuine successes could take days to be confirmed.

Heritage Spotlight – The Telephone at 7 Lodge Road

One of Kimberley's most fascinating historical treasures is not found in a museum but in the former home of Sir Ernest Oppenheimer at 7 Lodge Road. Among the house's original furnishings is the telephone that Ernest Oppenheimer used during the early decades of the twentieth century while building De Beers into one of the world's leading diamond companies.

Years later, Harry Oppenheimer visited his childhood home and immediately recognised the old telephone, recalling how his father had used it for countless business and personal conversations. The simple instrument provides a remarkable link to one of Kimberley's most influential families and reminds visitors that history is often preserved in ordinary objects as much as grand monuments. Today, 7 Lodge Road stands less than a kilometre from Solomon Edwardian Guest House, and forms part of Kimberley's rich heritage landscape.

Did You Know?

Harry Oppenheimer (1908–2000), one of South Africa's best-known business leaders, was born at 7 Lodge Road in Kimberley and spent his early childhood there.

Preserving Old Kimberley – The Belgravia Walkabout

Kimberley's magnificent Victorian and Edwardian architecture has survived thanks to the dedication of local historians and heritage enthusiasts.

In 1978, the Belgravia Walkabout was launched during Museum Week under the guidance of heritage champions including Dr Richard Liversidge and Jill Adams. The guided walks introduced residents and visitors to the historic homes, churches and public buildings of Belgravia, helping to build public appreciation for Kimberley's unique architectural heritage. The initiative played an important role in encouraging the preservation of many historic buildings that might otherwise have disappeared.

Today, heritage walks through Belgravia remain one of the best ways to experience the city's architectural character. Visitors can admire beautifully restored Victorian homes, wide tree-lined streets and buildings that tell the story of Kimberley's extraordinary diamond era.

Did You Know?

Belgravia contains one of South Africa's finest collections of late Victorian and Edwardian residential architecture, much of it preserved through the efforts of local heritage campaigners.