Somerset East: A Historic Town at the Foot of the Bosberg

Afrikaans name: Somerset-Oos

A small church in Somerset East

Photo © Dreamstime.com

Eastern Cape

European settlers began farming in the area of modern day Somerset East in the late 1700s, despite crossing the boundary set by the Dutch East India Company. Tobacco was one of the crops successfully grown during this early period.

The town of Somerset East itself was established in 1825 and named after Lord Somerset. It lies in a scenic region at the foot of the Bosberg Mountain.

A variety of farming activities take place around Somerset East, including merino wool production, Angora goats for mohair, dairy farming, and citrus cultivation.

Several buildings in the town have been proclaimed national monuments. One of these is the Old Pastorie, now home to the Somerset East Museum.

Other notable historical buildings include the Hope Congregational Church, the Dutch Reformed Church, and the Officers’ Mess. The Officers’ Mess houses a collection of works by Walter Battiss, a renowned South African artist.

Somerset East also offers natural attractions such as the Bosberg Nature Reserve and a picturesque 9 hole golf course. The Glen Avon Waterfall, located 10 km from town, is another popular destination.

A range of accommodation options is available in the area, including a caravan park.

Share your experiences at Somerset East

References and further reading

Where to Watch Birds in Southern Africa - Author: A. Berruti and J.C. Sinclair - Published: 1983 - Page: 104

The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Published: 1987 - Page: 62

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 218

Reader s Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 149

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 170

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 303

go! - Issue 109 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 102

Farm Stall to Farm Stall - Author: Jennifer Stern - Published: 2014 - Page: 110

Country Life - Issue 272 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 42

Country Life - Issue 261 - Author: - Published: 2018 - Page: 77

Country Life - Issue 252 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 58

Country Life - Issue 244 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 26

Country Life - Issue 182 - Author: - Published: 2011 - Page: 28

Conolly s Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 150

Book of the Road - 4th edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2019 - Page: 145

Somerset East

---

Top