Honoured Dead Memorial
A poignant tribute to the Siege of Kimberley, featuring the 'Long Cecil' cannon, a symbol of mineworker ingenuity.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter, but can get busy
Honoured Dead Memorial
Best Time
Quieter, but can get busy
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A poignant tribute to the Siege of Kimberley, featuring the 'Long Cecil' cannon, a symbol of mineworker ingenuity.
"A magnificent sight to behold with a striking presence, though sadly vandalised."
📸 Capture the History
Admire the 'Long Cecil' cannon and Herbert Baker's design. Be mindful of graffiti, a sad reality of its history.
☕ Early Bird Coffee
Some visitors enjoy an early morning coffee here, but expect it to get busy quickly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Long Cecil Cannon
Front of the memorial
A historic cannon crafted by mineworkers to defend Kimberley during the Anglo-Boer War. Look for the unique lathe marks on its barrel.
Herbert Baker Architecture
The entire memorial structure
Admire the poignant and impressive design by renowned architect Herbert Baker, a striking example of his work.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respecting History
Early Morning Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the History
Admire the 'Long Cecil' cannon and Herbert Baker's design. Be mindful of graffiti, a sad reality of its history.
☕ Early Bird Coffee
Some visitors enjoy an early morning coffee here, but expect it to get busy quickly.
🛡️ Preservation Plea
This historical site needs better care. Consider its importance and the impact of vandalism.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the History
Admire the 'Long Cecil' cannon and Herbert Baker's design. Be mindful of graffiti, a sad reality of its history.
☕ Early Bird Coffee
Some visitors enjoy an early morning coffee here, but expect it to get busy quickly.
🛡️ Preservation Plea
This historical site needs better care. Consider its importance and the impact of vandalism.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Honoured Dead Memorial a magnificent and striking sight, particularly appreciating the 'Long Cecil' cannon and Herbert Baker's design. However, many lament the significant vandalism and graffiti, calling for better preservation efforts.
"A magnificent sight to behold with a striking presence as one approaches from any of the directions leading to the intersection. Unsurprisingly vandalised very badly (few respect history in RSA), but yet, a must see. This canon, commissioned by Cecil John Rhodes, was constructed by mineworkers for use against the Boers during the (in)famous “Siege of Kimberly” during the Second Anglo Boer War. A piece of history which we should look after much better than we have so far."
Juandré Scheepers
"Beautiful Herbert Baker example. As impressive as it is poignant. The canon on front is called "Long Cecil" and was made in the mining workshop to defend the town against the Boers. Look for the lathe turning marks on the barrel. Pity about the graffiti."
Eugene Visser
"Beautiful memorial, surrounding needs to be cleaned up. Maybe consider fencing it in and have it locked at night."
Zia Joubert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Honoured Dead Memorial is centrally located in Kimberley, often found at a prominent intersection. It's easily accessible by car or taxi.
Street parking is generally available around the memorial, though it can be busy, especially on Sundays.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Honoured Dead Memorial is free. It's an outdoor public monument.
As an outdoor monument, it is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for better viewing and safety.
While a significant historical site, reviews mention that the memorial has unfortunately been vandalized with graffiti.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It commemorates those who died during the Siege of Kimberley in the Second Anglo-Boer War. The 'Long Cecil' cannon was made locally to defend the town.
'Long Cecil' is the name of the cannon featured at the memorial, uniquely constructed by mineworkers in Kimberley during the siege.
Yes, photography is encouraged. It's a striking landmark, perfect for capturing historical moments.
The memorial is primarily an outdoor monument. There are no specific facilities like restrooms or cafes directly at the site.
It's generally safe during daylight hours. However, due to vandalism, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
Approach from different directions to capture its imposing presence. The 'Long Cecil' cannon is a key photographic subject.
Early mornings can offer softer light and fewer crowds, though it can still get busy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during daylight hours for safety and better visibility. While there are no specific child-focused amenities, the open space around the memorial allows for some movement. It's a chance to introduce younger visitors to a significant piece of local history in a straightforward, impactful way.
🏛️ History Buffs
While the presence of graffiti is a regrettable aspect, it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in preserving historical sites. Visiting allows you to appreciate the memorial's original intent and its enduring significance as a symbol of defense and remembrance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History Behind the Memorial
The memorial itself is a significant example of the architectural style of Herbert Baker, a prominent architect known for his work across South Africa. Its striking presence and poignant design make it a must-see for history enthusiasts. However, it's important to note that the memorial has unfortunately suffered from vandalism, with graffiti marring its historical significance. This has led to calls for better preservation and protection of this important landmark.
Visitors often remark on the memorial's powerful impact as they approach it. Despite the damage, its historical narrative and architectural merit continue to draw attention. The hope is that increased awareness and community efforts will lead to its better upkeep, ensuring its stories are preserved for future generations.
Visiting and Photography Tips
For photography, the 'Long Cecil' cannon is a focal point, and its unique lathe turning marks offer a fascinating detail to capture.
While the memorial is a significant historical site, be aware that graffiti is present, a common issue for many historical landmarks in South Africa.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit