Monuments

Now a National Monument, the Owl House is something to behold in the small town of Nieu-Bethesda. Original owner, Helen Martins (1897-1976) lay in bed one night feeling that her life had become dull and resolved to fill it with colour and light. From that day began a complete renovation of her house and the creation of hundreds of sculptures and relief figures in the back garden. Inspired by biblical text and poetry of Omar Khayyam and William Blake she set about re-creating her life in colour and image. Well worth visiting this amazing feat. The house is open seven days a week from 9am - 5pm.

In the early 1950s, under the leadership of Mr Tom Bowker M.P., public interest in the 1820 Settlers grew steadily. It was generally accepted that this group of English-speaking settlers had made a greater impact on this country than any subsequent group in its history. Their influence was felt in nearly every field of endeavour and their campaign for Press freedom and their contribution towards democratic government have been of lasting significance. The need for a tangible symbol to honour these Pioneers was urgently expressed. The concept of a memorial shrine was rejected as was that of any monument that might encourage sectionalism or perpetuate animosities and so the 1820 Settlers National Monument was designed with the intention of creating a conference, education and cultural centre for use by all. Broadly speaking, the aim of the 1820 Foundation, the body responsible for the 1820 Monument, is to advance the educational and cultural development of the peoples of South Africa. The commemorative aspect of the Monument is seen in the yellow wood sculpture and the millstone fountain in the memorial court. The sculpture, designed by Kevin Atkinson and Richard Wake, is free standing and integrated into the design of the building. The two frames, one of wood and one of concrete, are 14m tall and 9m wide. The rectangles and diagonals represent the crosses that make up the British flag and the prime Christian symbol of the Cross of Christ is strongly evident. The millstone and the fountain flowing from it symbolise the twin necessities of bread and water. Around the fountain area are the words from St. John "That all may have life and have it more abundantly".