Lady Grey, South Africa

Lady Grey is a rural village in the North of the Eastern Cape in South Africa near the border with Lesotho. It is situated in the foothills of the Witteberg mountains, 54 km (34 mi) due east of Aliwal North on the R58 road and 260 km (160 mi) from the capital of the Free State Province, Bloemfontein.

Lady Grey
Lady Grey
Lady Grey
Lady Grey is located in Eastern Cape
Lady Grey
Lady Grey
Lady Grey is located in South Africa
Lady Grey
Lady Grey
Coordinates: 30°42′35″S 27°12′52″E
CountrySouth Africa
ProvinceEastern Cape
DistrictJoe Gqabi
MunicipalitySenqu
Established1857
Area
[1]
 • Total25.1 km2 (9.7 sq mi)
Elevation
1,658 m (5,440 ft)
Population
 (2011)[1]
 • Total7,023
 • Density280/km2 (720/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011)
[1]
 • Black African85.7%
 • Coloured10.3%
 • Indian/Asian0.2%
 • White3.5%
 • Other0.3%
First languages (2011)
[1]
 • Xhosa53.0%
 • Sotho29.6%
 • Afrikaans13.6%
 • English1.8%
 • Other1.9%
Time zoneUTC+2 (SAST)
Postal code (street)
9755
PO box
9755
Area code051 (-603-)
Lady Grey Church, Eastern Cape.

History

Lady Grey was established on the farm Waaihoek, purchased by the Dutch Reformed Church of Aliwal North on 30 April 1857 for the purpose of founding a new congregation. It was named in honour of Eliza Lucy Grey (née Spencer), daughter of Sir Richard Spencer, and wife of Sir George Grey the Cape governor [2]. The first municipality of Lady Grey was proclaimed in 1893. Currently, Senqu Local Municipality has its seat in Lady Grey.[3]

Tourism

Tucked away in a valley below the majestic Witteberg mountains, Lady Grey is a hidden gem, a tranquil, rural village founded in 1858. Surrounded by soaring mountains, crisp clean air and gentle streams, a number of charming country cottages provide a cosy retreat for the weary traveller. Old buildings have been restored to attract tourists and relocators.

Lady Grey attracts nature lovers, bird watchers, hikers, star gazers and fly fishing enthusiasts. Wild trout and yellowfish are found in abundance in the streams and rivers in the area. Visitors wishing to fish here are advised to obtain a permit from the local fly fishing association, especially for fishing on private property, through which most of the streams flow.

Arts Academy

The well-known Lady Grey Arts Academy is an exceptional combined Primary and Secondary school for pupils wanting to further their education in the performing and visual arts as well as in music. Regular shows, like the passion play during Easter, as well as Christmas plays are performed, and art exhibitions are being held by the school in Lady Grey.[4]

Notable people from Lady Grey

References
  1. Sum of the Main Places Lady Grey, Kwezinaledi and Steve Tshwete from Census 2011.
  2. Raper, P.E. (1987). "Dictionary of Southern African Place Names". Human Science Research Council. pp. 268–269. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  3. "History of Lady Grey & Mountain View Country Inn". Archived from the original on 2012-01-30. Retrieved 2012-09-12.
  4. Lady Grey Tourism Retrieved on 2 April 2016
  • Standard Encyclopaedia of Southern Africa (1972)
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