The Rural Settlement of Verlorenvlei in historical perspective

Abstract

The rural settlement of Verlorenvlei (32°19'S; 18°21'E Cape west coast) has been placed within its historical context by a multidisciplinary study of the writings of early travellers up the Cape west coast; land ownership; land usage; human relationships within the settlement community; and the characteristics of the man-made environment created by that community. It was necessary to study historical documents, archival records, deeds office records, all available maps and diagrams, aerial photographs, relevant literature, and most important of all, to become familiar with the settlement itself and the people living in it. Such an investigation has led to an appreciation of the historical significance of the settlement, as well as the reasons for its siting, its growth and subsequent decline. This study has also provided a basis for conservation on historical and architectural grounds, and developed a framework for ongoing research into the historical background of the settlement.