This particular British Blockhouse is situated on the R391 as one goes under the railway bridge on the right hand side when entering Burgersdorp from Aliwal-North. It was part of a line of defenses which stretched from Queenstown through Molteno to Aliwal-North and Bethulie. The British built 441 of these solid masonry Blockhouses during the Anglo Boer War of 1899 to 1902, many of which are still standing today. They used these forts as a stronghold for their troops who were guarding and protecting the railway line and the bridges from the Boer forces during the war. These commandos frequently attacked this post from the Free State Republic.

Unfortunately the Blockhouse was locked when we visited it, but one may be able to make arrangements via the Burgersdorp museum to have a look inside. Its been restored, judging by the state of the corrugated iron roof on top. They were quite interesting structures and well worth a look at when in the area.

Area of Burgersdorp Blockhouse Map