In the brief article below, Arthur Bowland digs into the history of Durban's old Toll House and describes how it was 'rediscovered' in Kloof in the 1970s when many believed it had been lost forever. At the end of the article, Bowland talks about the 'shifting' of the house. Here's hoping it is still in existence somewhere. If any enthusiasts on the ground have current information please add details in the comments section below the article. The piece first appeared in Restorica, the journal of the Simon van der Stel Foundation (today the Heritage Association of South Africa). Thank you to the University of Pretoria (copyright holders) for giving us permission to publish.
Durban's old Toll House, built in 1866 and believed to have gone the way of so many of the city's historical buildings, has been found alive and well - indeed being lived in - at Kloof.
The Toll House with its gate was sited at the top of Berea Road as a means of raising funds for the hardening of Durban's main outlet. Tolls ranged from two shillings and sixpence for a wagon to sixpence for a saddled horse. Pedestrians were allowed in free.
Not everyone was so determindly honest. Some of the transport riders with their wagons tried to evade paying tolls. One of their tricks was to muffle the wagon chains with sacks and try to sneak through the gate at first light. However, one particular toll keeper, Harry Bird, was equal to such manoeuvres although confined to...
