Today in Kimberley's History
July 23rd
"Every day has a story about Kimberley's past."
On this day...
The twenty-third of July is a memorable date in Kimberley's history. In 1887, the city's magnificent Public Library opened its doors, becoming one of the finest public buildings in the diamond fields. Thirty-eight years later, Kimberley welcomed the future King Edward VIII during one of the most spectacular civic occasions in its history, as thousands of residents lined the streets to greet the Prince of Wales during his whirlwind visit to the Diamond City.
1887 – Kimberley Public Library Officially Opens
On 23 July 1887, Kimberley's elegant Public Library was officially opened, providing the rapidly growing diamond city with one of South Africa's finest centres of learning.
The building was constructed entirely through public subscription, demonstrating Kimberley's remarkable civic spirit during the height of the diamond boom. The contract was awarded jointly to Messrs Westlake and Coles and Messrs Smith and Bull, while the impressive building itself cost £5,533 15s 11d—a substantial investment made possible by generous public donations.
For generations, the library became one of Kimberley's most important cultural institutions, serving miners, businessmen, teachers, students and families alike. Today, the building lives on as the Africana Library, preserving one of South Africa's most important collections of books, manuscripts, maps, photographs and historical records relating to Kimberley, the Northern Cape and southern Africa.
Did You Know?
The historic Africana Library is only about 2.5 kilometres from the Solomon Edwardian Guest House and is well worth a visit for anyone interested in Kimberley's remarkable history.
Kimberley Public Library building opens 1887. (Photo Public Domain)
1925 – The Prince of Wales Visits Kimberley
On 23 July 1925, Edward, Prince of Wales, arrived in Kimberley during his celebrated three-month tour of southern Africa. Although he spent only a single day in the city, it became one of the busiest and most memorable visits of the entire royal tour.
His special royal train arrived at Beaconsfield Station shortly before 11 o'clock in the morning. After inspecting a Guard of Honour in Market Square next to the City Hall, the Prince received nine official addresses of welcome, including one presented jointly by Reverend S. Damon and Sol Plaatje on behalf of Kimberley's African community. The day's programme reflected Kimberley's importance as the heart of the world's diamond industry. At the De Beers offices in Stockdale Street, Sir David Harris presented the Prince with a magnificent 12½-carat rough white diamond from the Dutoitspan Mine, complete with the official permit required for its export.
The Prince then travelled across the city, meeting Kimberley's diverse communities at separate gatherings held in accordance with the segregation policies of the period. At the Newton Reservoir, between 8,000 and 10,000 African residents welcomed him with singing and celebration. To mark the occasion, Sir Ernest Oppenheimer donated ten bullocks to provide a feast for those attending the gathering.
His morning continued with visits to the Honoured Dead Memorial, the Drill Hall, the famous Pulsator, and Wesselton Mine, where he descended almost 300 metres underground to see diamond mining in progress. Wesselton had been chosen because it represented the most modern mining technology of its day.
After lunch aboard the royal train, the Prince attended a gathering of around 3,000 schoolchildren from Kimberley, Barkly West, Warrenton and Douglas before visiting Kimberley Boys' High School, Christian Brothers' College and Nazareth House. At Christian Brothers' College he was delighted by a beautifully decorated ceremonial chariot, created especially for the occasion and pulled by pupils through the school grounds.
The afternoon concluded with a magnificent civic garden party at the Hotel Belgrave—today's McGregor Museum—where more than 3,500 guests gathered, including several pioneers who had arrived during the great diamond rush of 1871. Before the day ended, the Prince made an unscheduled visit to the Kimberley Mine (Big Hole). Members of the royal party attempted to throw stones into the enormous excavation. When his own throw fell short, the Prince laughed and remarked: "I was never much good at throwing."
That evening Kimberley sparkled beneath 30,000 electric lights as the Prince attended a succession of civic balls at the Constance Hall, Drill Hall, Beaconsfield Town Hall and Kimberley City Hall. At several of the dances he partnered local ladies before finally retiring to his royal train well after midnight, ending one of the busiest days of his remarkable tour.
Historian Robert Hart's detailed research reveals just how extraordinary the visit was. During the three-month royal tour, the Prince travelled almost 10,000 miles, received around 45 formal addresses, reviewed approximately 50 parades of ex-servicemen, and shook hands an estimated 10,000 times. Reflecting on the relentless schedule, he later wrote that he often felt "like a man caught in a revolving door."
Did You Know?
Many of the places visited by the Prince in 1925 can still be explored today, including the Honoured Dead Memorial, McGregor Museum, Big Hole and Kimberley Boys' High School. Several are only a few minutes' drive from Solomon Edwardian Guest House.
Can't find a Kimberley connection for a particular date? Our Today in Kimberley's History collection is continually expanding as we research Kimberley's rich history. If you know of a notable local event that occurred on a specific date, we'd love to hear from you using the Contact Us page.
Kimberley's Story Continues
The events of 23 July capture two defining qualities of Kimberley. The opening of the Public Library demonstrated the city's commitment to education, culture and public generosity during the diamond boom, while the Prince of Wales' visit showed Kimberley at the height of its international importance. Many of the buildings and landmarks associated with both events still stand today, allowing visitors to experience the city's remarkable heritage for themselves.
From Solomon Edwardian Guest House, guests can easily explore many of these historic sites, including the Africana Library, McGregor Museum, Big Hole, Honoured Dead Memorial and Kimberley Boys' High School, all within a short drive.
Continue exploring...