History Webs
For the Drakenstein Valley
Sources
History Webs does not do primary research. The site's content is for the most part sourced from books, magazines and research papers. The oral history is based on interviews conducted by volunteers of various organisations, as well as my own interviews.
Postal address
History Webs, PO Box 881, Huguenot 7645, Western Cape, South Africa.
Contact
If you would like to contact History Webs about advertising on this site, or want to comment on the site, send an email History Webs.
FAQ
History Webs is owned and managed by Marguerite Lombard. The website is a private initiative and not affiliated to any organisation.
View south
Paarl
Mountain: looking south to Franschhoek.
View north
Northern
exposure: looking north with Wellington's Groenberg in the
middle distance.
Tourism info
The Drakenstein Valley
The Drakenstein Valley lies 70 km from Cape Town and in one of the Cape's largest wine producing areas. The area is known for its scenic beauty, Cape Dutch architecture, restaurants and wines. Geographically the valley follows the course of the Berg River, from its source in the mountains of Franschhoek, through Paarl and past the outer limits of Wellington. Two geological features dominate the landscape: the Drakenstein Mountains in the east and Paarl Mountain in the west. In the past the valley provided grazing for Khoikhoi herds and flocks. They called Paarl Mountain "Tortoise Mountain" and historians have identified sites of two large kraals at the foothills of the Drakenstein Mountains in Daljosaphat and beyond Groenberg in Wellington. From time to time farmers still uncover artefacts such as stone tools and weights when preparing soil for cultivation. San rock paintings have also been found in Bainskloof outside Wellington. In the mid-17th century the Cape became a half-way station for European spice traders, and by the end of the century French, Dutch and Germany speaking farmers had established themselves throughout the valley. The valley retained its rural character until well into the 19th century. The Cape became one of the gateways into the interior once southern Africa's rich mineral resources were discovered. The wagon road north travelled through Paarl and Wellington, and both towns became known for their wagon builders. Paarl in particular began to shed its rural character, attracting traders, artisans and entrepreneurs.
The History Webs concept
History is not about dusty old books and dry academic dissertations. Local history especially is about ordinary people raising families, earning a living and going about their lives. History Webs is an attempt to share all those interesting snippets of information archived in our small under-resourced town museums: interviews, newspaper clippings and photographs that document the lives and memories of people. That said, a site like History Webs would not be able to exist without the work of the dedicated volunteers who dedicate so much of their free time to suport their local heritage organisations.