GPS 32 deg 59 min 33.33 sec S, 26 deg 50 min 16.75 sec E
Eastern Cape Parks formalities are to be completed and entry fees paid in cash at Double Drift Nature Reserve Office before approaching Fort Willshire.
The track from the R345 to Fort Willshire is suitable for high ground clearance vehicles with robust tyres only. It may not be accessible even for 4 x 4 vehicles after rain. Confirm the condition of the track at Double Drift Nature Reserve Office.
The turn-off from the R345 to Fort Willshire is at GPS 33 deg 01 min 10.74 sec S, 26 deg 53 min 45.24 sec E
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For 10 years it was a major trading centre and focal point between military, social and economic issues on the Eastern Cape Frontier.
No battles or significant skirmishes were fought in the vicinity during that period.
Fort Willshire (also known as First Fort Willshire, Original Fort Willshire, Upper Fort Willshire and Somerset's Fort)
GPS: 32 deg 59 min 2.04 sec S, 26 deg 54 min 24.18 sec E
Sacred to the memory of Mary Darling Late wife of Sergeant Andrew Darling the 72nd Regiment Who departed this life on 29 April 1820 aged 36 years She was an industrious mother and a loving wife Upright in all the affairs of life Husband dear don't weep - my race is run Our infants three protect Their charge is yours - since I am gone Their paths aright direct A double claim is laid on you Discharge the trust now given Teach them the way the righteous go To meet the King of Heaven Their (sic) we shall meet to part no more In the blest realms above God's praises sing for evermore For His redeeming love
1. Sacred to the memory of Gunner Caleb Warhurst late of the Royal Artillery who departed this life on the 20th day of July 1821 aged 28 years Remember man as you pass by As you are now so once was I As I am now so must you be Prepare yourself to follow me 2. Sacred to the memory of Eliza daughter of John and Mary Ann Jolley Who departed this life On the 23rd day of December 1829 Aged 1 year and 10 months 3. To the memory of Wm Charlston 55 Regiment Died 11 July 1830 Aged 46 years 4. This stone is erected by John O'Shea Colour Sergeant 49 Regt In memory of his daughter Mary O'Shea Who departed this life On the 27th day of March 1826 Aged sixteen months 5. Sacred to the memory of Edward Charlsey Who departed this life On the 11th day of January 1830 Aged 26 years My loving wife and children dear I have you all for to prepare Prepare yourselves while time you have There's no repentance in the grave 6. Sacred to the memory of Private Owen Casey 98th Regiment Drowned February 8 1832 Aged 26 years 7. Sacred to the memory of William Davidson Son of Sergeant Donald Davidson LXXV Regiment Who departed this life IX May 1834 Aged 3 years and 8 months 8. Sacred to the memory of Thomas McCabe Son of Corporal James McCabe 27 Regiment Who departed this life on the 30th April 1838 Aged 14 months 9. In this spot is buried Alexander Fleming A Native of Scotland and Sergeant LXXV Regiment of British Infantry Who after a Service of nineteen years Died at this Station On the 1st day of April 1836 In the fortieth year of his age Regretted by his Colonel, By his Captain And by his Comrades By whose united wish And is testimony Of their respect This tribute to the memory Of an Honest and Good Soldier Is thus raised
10. Sacred to the memory of Matthew Stanworth late Private soldier 49th Regt who was unhumanely murdered by Caffres February 24th 1825 The British soldier here interr'd For Eighteen years his country served Five summers braved a bad campaign On Europe's warlike thundering plain When lo! Unarmed on African's land The veteran fell by savage hands This stone is erected by his fellow soldiers of said Regt in token of their esteem for the Deceased
11. Margaret Matilda The infant daughter of W.M. Ford Assistant Surgeon 72nd Highlanders Born July 11 Died September 2nd 1836 The cup of life she just to her lips had pressed Found the taste bitter and declind the rest Then gently turning from the light of day She softly sighd her little soul away
