BLOEMFONTEIN – Additions to the award-winning War Museum of the Boer Republics in Bloemfontein always give visitors something new to look forward to. The building of a life-sized three-storey blockhouse from the Anglo-Boer War (1899 to 1902) on the grounds is complete and will give a new perspective on the living conditions in and around these buildings erected by the British forces to protect the railway lines from Boer attacks.
This is a life-size replica of one of the last remaining octagon blockhouses in the Free State, that is still visible at Tierpoort.
The Tierpoort structure was one of around 8 000 blockhouses of different sizes across the country and housed around 85 000 soldiers at the time of the war.
Bloemfontein artist Hennie van Zyl drafted the basic plans for the blockhouse. He also built a scale model of the terrain on which the blockhouses were situated.
Van Zyl delved into the historic facts and photos available on the lives of the soldiers.
The blockhouse and its exhibits depicting the history of blockhouses during the Anglo Boer War, was opened on Thursday, 27 November.
The museum is open on weekdays from 08:00 to 16:00, and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 17:00. On Sundays the museum is open from 11:00 to 17:00, and on public holidays from 09:00 to 17:00.
Guided tours are provided on appointment. Be sure to visit all the museum attractions. Dial 051 447 3447 for more information.
