Derek McAuley, Somerset West
Before 1817 the Helderberg region consisted of a number of farms. In 1817 it was proposed to build a Dutch Reformed church with a surrounding village.
A site for the church was chosen and the necessary funds to build it were provided by the sale of plots around the church.
These plans were drawn up and published in 1817, so it could be said that the birth of Somerset West (first called Somerset) happened 200 years ago this year.
The limits of the village as first laid out were Main Road, Fagan Street, the Lourens River, Rose Street (in Garden Village) and Oak Street (there was no railway in those days to bisect it).
I wonder if this anniversary is going to be celebrated?
