For more than a century The Honoured Dead Memorial stood strong reminding the people of Kimberley—and visitors from all over—of the hardships their city once endured.
At the heart of Kimberley, where five roads meet, stands a striking piece of history— The Honoured Dead Memorial. This monument was built to remember the brave men who defended the city during the long 124-day siege of Kimberley in the Anglo-Boer War.
More than just stone and metal, it tells a powerful story of struggle, resilience, and sacrifice.
The Siege of Kimberley started in October 1899 when Boer forces surrounded the city. The people inside faced food shortages, disease, and constant attacks. But even in these tough times, they refused to surrender.
One of the most famous symbols of their fight was “Long Cecil,” a gun made right in the De Beers workshops during the siege by an engineer named George Frederick Labram. This locally built weapon gave the defenders a much-needed boost.
Today, “Long Cecil” sits proudly on the base of the Honoured Dead Memorial, alongside shells fired by the Boer forces, reminding everyone of the determination of those who fought.
Cecil John Rhodes, one of the most powerful men of the time, wanted to make sure those who lost their lives in the siege were never forgotten. He asked the well-known architect Sir Herbert Baker to design a memorial in their honour.
To get ideas, Baker travelled to Greece to study old war memorials. His research inspired the final design of the Kimberley memorial, giving it a timeless and classical look.
The memorial was built using sandstone from the Matopo Hills in Zimbabwe, a place known for its natural beauty and connection to African history. Inside, 27 soldiers who died during the siege are laid to rest. The structure is not just a monument—it is a grave, a place of respect and remembrance.
To make the tribute even more meaningful, famous writer Rudyard Kipling was asked to write an inscription for the memorial. His words capture the courage and sacrifice of those who defended Kimberley, making sure their story lives on.
The memorial was officially opened on November 28, 1904, exactly five years after an important battle during the siege.
For more than a century, it has stood strong, reminding the people of Kimberley—and visitors from all over—of the hardships their city once endured.
Sadly, in 2010, parts of the monument were vandalised when thieves broke off brass fittings from “Long Cecil.” This act of destruction showed just how important it is to protect and preserve these historical sites.
The Honoured Dead Memorial is more than just a place to remember the past. It is part of Kimberley’s long and fascinating history, filled with stories of courage, struggle, and change. Close by, other historical sites like the Don McHardy Memorial Fountain and the 1890 Pioneer Memorial add to the city’s rich heritage.
Even after all these years, the Honoured Dead Memorial remains an important landmark in Kimberley. It is a tribute to those who lost their lives and a place where future generations can learn about the sacrifices made during one of South Africa’s most challenging times. Through its presence, the memory of those who fought and fell in the siege will never fade.