CapeTownMagazine.com

The Evolution of the Mother City

For Moments of Joy. Follow our social channels
for useful news, daily local champions
 
072 350 2062
Ideas Cartel, The Old Foundry, 1 Sand Hill Road, Green Point
www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe
now@capetownmagazine.com
CapeTownMag
CapeTownMagazine.com
capetownmag

The Evolution of the Mother City

Take a look at what our beautiful city used to look like in the 1800s and early 1900s compared to how it looks now

A lot has happened and the urban and natural environment has changed drastically over the years in Cape Town. We won’t bore you with facts and a historical breakdown about our beloved city’s past. Instead, we’ll show you.

We’ve selected nine vintage photographs, taken in the late 1800s and early 1900s from around Cape Town and the Southern Suburbs, and visited the exact locations from which they were first shot. Most of the areas today would be completely unrecognisable to our great-grandparents, but some buildings still stand – an incredible testament to the engineering methods used by the early pioneers. For example the City Hall, Newlands Train Station and Old Townhouse have remained largely unchanged over the past 100-or-more years.

So spend some time picking out the details of each photograph, and maybe pay a visit to the actual sites in your spare moments. There is a mountain of history just waiting to be discovered in our city.

Bathers at Three Anchor Bay (circa 1905). Notice the clear view of Lion's Head.

Three Anchor Bay as it looks today. Lion’s Head is less prominent because of the high-rise buildings, and the beach has been replaced by a raised promenade. 

 

Table Bay from Signal Hill (circa 1900). Notice the short pier in the centre of the photograph – that is now Adderley Street. The Castle of Good Hope was located on the beach, demonstrating the dramatic shift in the city’s coastline.

The city has actually extended into the sea with the invention of modern building techniques, making Table Bay slightly smaller than it was 115 years ago. 

 

A fire brigade show at the Grand Parade. Mayor Frederick Smith (black suit) attended the demonstration (1909).

The Grand Parade has become smaller over the years. Nowadays it is home to a flea market and the occasional concert. The City Hall remains unchanged.

 

The Old Townhouse in Greenmarket Square (circa 1899). Notice Table Mountain in the background.

The Old Townhouse has not changed much in the last 116 years, but the surrounding landscape certainly has. Table Mountain is no longer visible from Greenmarket Square.

 

Adderley Street with Standard Bank, Cartwright’s Corner and The Groote Kerk (circa 1890). Notice the taxi parking bays in the centre of the street.

The Standard Bank building and The Groote Kerk have not changed much, but the adjacent buildings have. Trees now line the centre of Adderley Street, but the centre-street taxi bays still exist today.

 

Longmarket Street descending from the Lion’s Rump (Signal Hill) (circa 1900). Notice the chimneys on the left, and the horizontal line on Devil’s Peak.

One of the chimneys is still standing, and the brown line on Devil’s Peak is still there. The height of the modern buildings is emphasised when you look at the vintage photo.

 

Rhodes Memorial under construction (1905 – 1908).

This memorial hasn’t changed since its completion in 1912, but it is interesting to note the massive trees behind it, which now block the view of Devil’s Peak.

 

The Newlands train station (circa 1900). Pay attention to the elevated walk-way.

The building hasn’t changed much over the past 115-odd years. The first thing we can see is that the elevated walk-way is gone (replaced by an underground walk-way).  Trains in the 1900s were steam-powered and so the electric cables running above the tracks were not needed.

 

Cattle grazing in “The Pasturage” (now Rondebosch Common) (circa 1900).

The Rondebosch Common has become a lot smaller over the past 115 years, but the remaining piece of land is still undeveloped. The lack of livestock has meant that the shrubs and grass can grow tall now.

With the changes that have taken place over the last century, we can only imagine what Cape Town will look like in 100 years time. One thing is for certain; change is the only constant. 

Feature by Joshua Oates
Old photographs: HiltonT@Flickr
New photographs: Joshua Oates
All images are subject to copyright

---

Locals and visitors can discover something new during free walking tours of Cape Town.

---
Check out our events section for an up-to-date overview of happenings in Cape Town. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter.

Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, connect with us on LinkedIn, check out our photos on Instagram and follow our Pinterest boards for updates on what’s happening in and around the Mother City!

 

Cape Town Events Calendar
June 2023
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30

Cederkloof Botanical Opstal HouseWe just found our next place for a ...

Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven

Bombay BrasserieSumptuous Indian set menu for two

10 unique dishes (and MCC) at Bombay Brasserie

Excentric Hair5 ways to transform your hair (with ...

Give your locks some love or change them completely

Rose's Table pop up dining experienceIntimate fine dining in an art gallery

A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art

Woodstock Brewery burgersA brewery with food specials for every ...

Burgers, schnitzels + curry specials at Woodstock Brewery

Excentric Hair camera diagnosisHow healthy is your hair, really?

How to get a free diagnosis + R100 off your first visit

Cannibisters weed barCape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...

It's like your friend’s living room, just with 85 strains of weed

PPC Riebeek Bergmarathon8 reasons to run these races in a lush ...

Do a marathon, fun run with the fam and explore small towns

Taj Whiskey LoungeIntroducing the Whiskey Lounge

Tastings from around the world, guided by an ambassador

Char'd Grill meat appreciation platterMeat appreciation platter at a ...

3 cuts of meat, sizzling side dishes + epic mad-scientist experience

Char'd Grill tasting traysSpirit tastings and unique cuts at this ...

Bring out your inner mad scientist: experiment with unique spirits + meat cuts

Pear Tree cocktailsHolistic food + drink at this healthy ...

Sit under the trees and enjoy kombucha cocktails, vegan dishes + a sea view

Pear Tree HermanusUnconventional vegan dishes at this ...

From tofu tostadas and kombucha cocktails to MasterChef-level desserts

Milk on the Beach5 reasons to visit this beach-side ...

Never-ending summer of waffles, hotdogs, cocktails...

Waffle Shack by Milk on the BeachOur team’s top picks at the Waffle ...

Beach-side eatery is perfect for kids, adults and dogs alike

Bar KeeperOffice drinks delivered to your door ...

Bar Keeper’s seamless service. Order 1 special drink or enough for a whole party

Sweet River Brewery ingredientsBook out this distillery for your next ...

Make your own at Distillers Union + get craft beer and pizza

Taj Jiva SpaJiva Spa Special: 3 massages x 30 mins ...

Select 3 treatments from 7 options, from head massage to deluxe pedicure

Blue Train ParkKids Party Idea: Take a ride on the ...

BOOK Now and let the outdoor adventure begin!

Breathwork Africa foundation3+ ways to get your breath back and ...

Classes, courses, retreats on conscious breathing run by the trainers leading the global ...

Sotano Restaurant burger specialBest burger special at Sotano every ...

Share this 2-for-1 deal with a friend or eat both lamb burgers yourself

Klein Roosboom tasting caveTaste wine in a cave

Boutique winery with 6 six cosy tasting nooks. Plus platters, picnics + trails

GiveawaysTravel Tips