The Old English Fort (Fort Sidney)

About The Old English Fort (Fort Sidney)

The Old English Fort (Fort Sidney) History: Built in 1899–1901 during the Anglo-Boer War by British forces. It was named after Lt. Col. Sidney of the Royal Field Artillery. Purpose: Constructed to prevent Boer commandos from moving through strategic mountain passes. It successfully deterred Commandant Gideon Scheepers and his 300 men from raiding Montagu. Design: A rectangular fort measuring 9.3 x 3.8 metres, built of mortared stonework with 40cm thick walls. It features 21 narrow, "waisted" loopholes used by soldiers for shooting. Location: Perched high on a rocky ridge directly above the Cogmanskloof tunnel on the R62 road, 3 km south of the town. Status: Declared an official National Monument in 1999. Visitors can park at the base and walk a short, steep trail up to the ruins.