Ladysmith dates back to about 1850, and was named after the Spanish wife of Sir Harry Smith. The town saw considerable expansion after gold was discovered on the Witwatersrand, and today remains an important railway junction. The old main road from Johannesburg to  the coast passed through the town which became an important point for travellers.

The ROYAL HOTEL has been witness to all these times, and remains a focal point of Ladysmith today.

Ladysmith was central to the struggle for Natal during the Anglo-Boer war, and for 118 days was besieged by the Boers during which time the name Ladysmith featured in press headlines around the world.  (See 'historical Ladysmith' using the button above.

Ladysmith remains an important supply point for a widespread farming community, and is also an expanding industrial centre. A pleasant town, with many interesting features and sites to visit, some of which are described below.   

THE SIEGE MUSEUM
Located alongside the Town Hall and civic offices, the building served as a ration centre for civilians during the tough times experienced during the siege. The excellent museum displays many relics of the siege period, and is well worth a visit.

SIEGE WALKING AND DRIVING GUIDES
An excellent guide is available from the information office at the Town Hall, or from the siege museum.  Covering over 80 historically significant sites in and around Ladysmith. 

THE HISTORIC BATTLEFIELDS

Names such as Spioenkop, Colenso, Wagon Hill, Elandslaagte, and Tugela Heights all mark battles of the region.

SPIOENKOP BATTLE SITE

THE TOWN HALL AND TOWN HALL MUSEUM

See the superb architecture of this beautiful building, and get all the historical facts since it was built in 1893. 

The professionally staffed information office is just a few                                          minutes walk from the Royal Hotel

SOOFI MOSQUE

Completed in 1969, acknowledged as one of the most beautiful Muslim Mosques in the southern hemisphere.
A national monument.  Check open times with Hotel reception.

STATUE OF GHANDI

Mohandas Ghandi was a stretcher bearer with General Buller's relief forces at the end of the siege. 

See the statue erected to his memory.  The hotel will make arrangements with the caretaker. 

The inscription at the foot of the statue reads "Truth, and freedom from conflict" in Afrikaans.

OTHER LADYSMITH ATTRACTIONS

The Wagon Hill battle site, the Spioenkop Nature Reserve, and the Ladysmith/Enmnambithi Cultural Centre are some features not to be missed. The latter houses the Ladysmith Black Mambazo Hall.

THE ALL SAINTS CHURCH

A beautiful Anglican stone church, with superb stained glass windows, and memorial tablets in honour of some 1800 (of 3200) British soldiers who fell in the defence of the town.

A visit to this little church is a deeply moving experience.