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Newcastle, now a busy centre and the largest town in northern KwaZulu-Natal, has seen tremendous turmoil and bloodshed since the 18th century, with various players trying desperately to hold on to their land and their wish to live and prosper here. The Zulu people, the Voortrekkers, the British and the Boers, epic human struggle and battles have unfolded over the years.
At the junction of three provinces, this KwaZulu-Natal town is a natural destination and departure point for travelers on the busy route between Durban and Johannesburg although the major road now the N3 highway, no longer passes through here, the settlement was originally established at a fork in the road, one route going to what is now the Free State and the other to what is now Gauteng.
Newcastle is a sunny and warm place and is significant as an excellent stopover on the Battlefield Route which works its way around the midlands in KwaZulu-Natal. The route is a comprehensive guide to battles and events that have characterised this part of the country. Deeply involved in the Anglo-Boer War, Newcaslte has a number of battlefield sites including Laings Nek, Majuba and Schuinshoogte.
Another notable chapter of Newcastle’s history is Hilldrop House, the home of the famous author Rider Haggard, his book Jess is based on his experiences here. More recently the local Indian people have erected what is reputed to be the largest, domed, Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere in this KwaZulu-Natal town. |
