Ladysmith Siege Museum

The Anglo-Boer War, which broke out in Africa in 1899-1902, marked the end of the existence of two states at once. With its beginning, the Transvaal Republic and the Orange Free State ceased to exist, and the military conflict that began in some sense became the precursor to the subsequent numerous wars that marked the twentieth century.

November 2, 1899 began the siege of the small British town of Ladysmith, which was surrounded by Boer troops. Beginning with a swift attack, the siege ended with the retreat of the enemy on February 28, 1900. This episode did not become a key part of the war: it was eclipsed by the siege of Mafeking, which became a turning point in the military confrontation. British casualties during the siege of Ladysmith were only 850 killed and wounded, and the number of Boer casualties is unknown.

Despite the fact that the siege of Ladysmith did not go down in history as a landmark event, it was here in 1985 that a museum dedicated to the events of those years was opened. The museum is located in a building built in 1884. During the battle, the British used the house as a food store. The exposition of the museum is designed in such a way that visitors can see the military events from both sides - both through the eyes of the besieged and the eyes of the besieged. The selection of materials exhibited here is one of the best in South Africa - there are numerous documents, unique photographs and samples of weapons and equipment used by the participants of the Anglo-Boer War.