As your local Chas Everitt agent, I invite you to look beyond the “For Sale” signs. From meteorites crashing through roofs to secret rock band rehearsals, our neighbourhood is full of surprises. Ready to uncover the hidden stories of Plumstead?
You Think You Know Plumstead? Let’s Delve Deeper!
As your Chas Everitt Plumstead and Diep River area specialist, I was delighted by the interest in our local history. Now, let’s expand on those fascinating tidbits and truly uncover the stories that have shaped our community.
1. A Tale of Two Names: From ‘Rest and Work’ to Plumstead
The story of Plumstead’s name begins with the Dutch East India Company. In 1762, a large piece of land, stretching beyond Wynberg, was granted to two free burghers, Johan Barrens and Hendrick Jergens. They aptly named their farm ‘Rust en Werk’ (Rest and Work), reflecting the dual nature of the land – a place of peaceful respite and agricultural labor. It wasn’t until 1807 that the name we know today came into being. An Englishman named Henry Batt, who had made his fortune as a wine merchant, purchased the farm and renamed it Plumstead, a nostalgic nod to his hometown, a district of London.
2. The Railway’s Arrival: The Birth of a Suburb
For much of the 19th century, Plumstead remained a quiet, rural area dominated by farms. The real turning point came on December 15, 1882, when the Cape Town-Wynberg suburban railway line was extended to Muizenberg. The inclusion of a station at Plumstead was a catalyst for immense change. This new, convenient mode of transport made the area accessible to people working in the city, transforming it from a collection of smallholdings into the residential suburb we recognize today. The bustling train station remains at the heart of the community, a daily reminder of the event that sparked its growth.
3. A Celestial Visitor: The Diep River Meteorite
Imagine this: on November 4, 1906, on a farm known as ‘Hermitage’ in Diep River, an extraordinary event occurred. A meteorite, weighing a substantial 910 grams, crashed through the metal roof of a house. This wasn’t just any space rock; it was identified as a very rare type of stony meteorite called an L6 Chondrite. This cosmic artifact, a messenger from the early solar system, put our quiet corner of the world on the astronomical map. For those curious to see this piece of otherworldly history, a specimen is preserved and displayed at the South African Museum in Cape Town.
4. The “Cinderella” Suburb Finds its Footing
In its earlier days, Plumstead was often overshadowed by its more established neighbors, earning it the nickname the “Cinderella” of Wynberg and Diep River. However, this perception has long since changed. The suburb is now celebrated for its unique architectural character, particularly the homes built during the 1940s and 1950s. These well-built, charming houses, often on generous plots, have attracted a diverse mix of residents, from pensioners who have lived here for decades to young families and artists who are modernizing these classic homes, creating a vibrant and eclectic community.
5. A Famous Stopover: Rathfelder’s Inn
Long before it was known for its quiet residential streets, Diep River was a key stop on the main road from Cape Town to Simon’s Town. The most famous landmark was Rathfelder’s Inn, a halfway house renowned for its warm hospitality. In the 1840s, it became the official headquarters of the Cape Hunt, a popular social and sporting club. The inn was a bustling hub of activity, a place for travelers to rest and a popular destination for day-trippers from Cape Town. Today, the historic building that once housed this lively inn serves a more serene purpose as the Eaton Convalescent Home.
6. A Literary Giant’s Residence: Sir Percy Fitzpatrick at Timour Hall
Timour Hall Villa, a grand residence in the area, has a connection to one of South Africa’s most beloved literary figures. Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, author of the classic novel Jock of the Bushveld, once lived in this historic home. Fitzpatrick was not only a celebrated author but also a prominent politician and mining financier. The fact that he chose to reside here adds a layer of cultural and historical prestige to our neighborhood, connecting us to a pivotal figure in South Africa’s past.
7. A Touch of Devon in the Cape
Have you ever noticed the names of our streets? Many of them, like a trail of breadcrumbs, lead back to Devon, England. This is thanks to an early resident who, homesick for his home county, gave many of the newly developing streets in Plumstead names from his native Devon. This same individual was also known for his love of trees. As the story goes, he would walk around the area, using his walking stick to make a hole in the ground and drop in a pine seed or two. His simple act of planting contributed to the leafy character that defines much of Plumstead today.
8. The Oldest Post Office: A Vital Link for the Valleys
In an era before instant communication, the post office was a lifeline. Diep River holds the distinction of having one of the earliest post offices in the Cape. Its strategic location on the main route made it the ideal center for postal services for the surrounding agricultural areas. This small but vital institution served the prosperous farms of the Constantia and Tokai Valleys, ensuring that mail and news could travel to and from these then-remote areas.
9. A Swing Through History: The Royal Cape Golf Club
Just a short distance from Plumstead lies a significant piece of South African sporting history. The Royal Cape Golf Club, founded in 1885, is the oldest and one of the most exclusive golf clubs in the country. Its lush, narrow fairways, lined with mature trees, have challenged golfers for over a century. The proximity of such a prestigious and historic sporting venue has undoubtedly added to the appeal and prestige of living in the Southern Suburbs.
10. A Theatrical Past and a Musical Rumour: The 3 Arts Theatre
The 3 Arts Theatre in Diep River is a landmark with a rich and varied past. For many long-time residents, it evokes fond memories of watching double-bill movies and attending lively parties. But its history has a more modern, international twist. It is widely rumored that in 1994, the world-famous electronic band Depeche Mode used the theatre as a rehearsal space for their world tour. This intriguing piece of musical lore adds a touch of rock-and-roll glamour to the history of this beloved local venue.
The “Did You Know” series from Joan Ross, informing you of interesting insights to the Plumstead area.
