In 1818 a town was established on the farm Hooyvlakte at the request of Lord Charles Somerset, then governor at the Cape. His aim was to establish and maintain law and order
in the hinterland. He arranged for it to be named in honour of his father, the fifth Duke of Beaufort. Today, a typical "platteland" town with a rich, romantic history Beaufort West welcomes visitors who wish to study its fascinating ecology.
It has been said the Karoo is not so much a place as a feeling. When you come to the Karoo, it captures your soul and actually flees with it, and by the time when your visit is over you realize that it has taken over. With clean air and the beautiful sun sets you will not even want to go back to where you came from. It leaves footprints in you memory and plays with your senses.
It offers you a glimpse into the Anglo-Boer War. With this town being the oldest in the Central Karoo, you will be able to hear many interesting stories about the Boer-War that took place through this majestic landscape
.Professor Chris Barnard the famous heart surgeon is honoured in three historic buildings, all national monuments, which make up Beaufort West’s museums. All gifts awards and presentations made to Chris Barnard are on display in the old town hall, which was built shortly after Beaufort West was proclaimed South Africa’s first municipality in 1837. It too is now part of the museum. |
