Barville Park 1820 settler estate, located to the west of Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape, has a long tail to its history. It was one of the largest properties allocated to a settler in the region. A portion of it touched on Port Alfred itself. It included well known farms, obviously subdivided off now, however, these were all part of the original farm.
The farm known as Barville Park, comprised of Reed Fountain and Glendower. It was granted to General Campbell and his independent party of Settlers. Unfortunately the General died as a result of injuries sustained when falling off his horse in 1822 so was unable to enjoy the farm he had named. He left his second wife Mary and seven children. When the Seventh Frontier war broke out, fourteen families sought refuge at the farm. During the War of Umlangeni, 300 persons were sheltered at Barville Park farm. (The War of Umlangeni 1850-1852 centred around King William’s Town and into the eastern section of the colony)
Reed Fountain (before restoration)
Glendower farm buildings with beacon in the background
I must tell you, this farm and its buildings are utterly glorious. I would...
