Frontier Country ....

It is Good Friday and another fine day in the Eastern Cape but, in the absence of hot cross buns, I decided to go on a road trip and have a look along the route signposted 'Frontier Country to see what I could find.....

Heading out along the Port Elizabeth road I turned left this time and headed inland. When you look at the photographs you will get some idea of the vastness of this country and I am only exploring in a 60 km radius at the moment. South Africa will definitely take a year!      



I came to a settlement called Salem which was founded bythe Septon party, one of 60 made up a total of 4000 settlers landing in 1820. Many of them poor were sent here by the British Government to bolster the hold on the Eastern Cape. They were given a plot of land, farming equipment and seed and left to get on with it. Many later departed for urban conurbations such as Bathurst so that they could use other skills such as glass making in order to survive.


A church built form mud blocks and thatch was consecrated in 1824, and replaced by a stone structure in 1832. The church often served as a refuge for women and children during the Frontier wars. There is a plaque in the church yard to this effect. A Methodist church was constructed next door about 50 years later and the original used by the black population as it is to this day although I am told that there are moves to combine the two into the main church.



Looking at websites about Salem they all mention the fine 'Albany' architecture. I'm afraid that I only saw one or two examples and they were hidden behind high hedges so no photographs I'm afraid.



I continued my journey and eventually entered Grahamstown from the top passing the monument on my left. I must admit that it looked more impressive from this angle. I have since discovered that it is used as a theatre, art gallery and many other community activities.

I enjoyed the journey and, I think, helps build a feel for the place and the adventure awaiting those settlers from long ago.  (I hope to add more to this journey in the future.)





Location: Salem, South Africa

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