Donkin Reserve
Eastern Cape
Donkin Reserve is a historic public park located in the heart of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), South Africa. The park is most notable for the Donkin Memorial, a 10-meter high four-sided stone pyramid constructed from local stone. It was built by Sir Rufane Donkin, the acting governor of the Cape Colony from 1820 to 1821, in memory of his wife Elizabeth Donkin, who died in India in 1818. The pyramid bears an inscription honoring Elizabeth as "one of the most perfect of human beings" and commemorates her giving the town its name. Adjacent to the pyramid stands a lighthouse built in 1861, which still serves the nearby harbor. The reserve was designated as a national monument in 1938 and is part of the Donkin Heritage Trail, highlighting its cultural and historical significance. The silhouette of the memorial and lighthouse has become an iconic symbol representing the city of Gqeberha. The park remains open to the public in perpetuity as per Sir Rufane Donkin's wishes, providing a place for reflection, sightseeing, and appreciation of the city's heritage.
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Astuce: Visit Donkin Reserve during daylight hours to fully appreciate the stone pyramid and lighthouse. The park is open to the public at all times, and no entrance fee is required. Consider exploring the Donkin Heritage Trail for a broader historical context. Early mornings or late afternoons offer pleasant lighting for photography. No advance ticket reservations are necessary.
Faits intéressants
- •The Donkin Memorial pyramid is exactly 10 meters (33 feet) tall and made from local stone.
- •The inscription on the pyramid honors Elizabeth Donkin as "one of the most perfect of human beings."
- •Sir Rufane Donkin named the town Port Elizabeth after his late wife, a name used until the city was renamed Gqeberha.
- •The lighthouse next to the pyramid was built in 1861 and continues to serve the harbor below.
- •The silhouette of the Donkin Memorial and lighthouse is a widely recognized symbol of the city.
Histoire
The Donkin Memorial was erected between 1820 and 1821 by Sir Rufane Donkin as a tribute to his late wife, Elizabeth Donkin, who passed away in 1818.
He also named the town Port Elizabeth in her honor and declared the surrounding land a public reserve to remain open forever.
The adjacent lighthouse was constructed in 1861 to aid maritime navigation at the harbor.
In 1938, the pyramid was declared a national monument by the South African Historical Monuments Commission, recognizing its cultural and historical importance.
Over the years, the memorial and reserve have become emblematic of the city's heritage and identity.
Guide du lieu
Donkin Memorial Pyramid1820-1821
A four-sided stone pyramid standing 10 meters tall, built by Sir Rufane Donkin in memory of his wife Elizabeth. The pyramid features an inscription commemorating her and symbolizes the founding of the city.
Donkin Lighthouse1861
Located adjacent to the pyramid, this lighthouse was built in 1861 and serves the nearby harbor. It is an important maritime navigational aid and complements the historical significance of the reserve.