Towns and suburbs

Bishop’s Court

Bishopscourt is a historic Cape Town suburb along the Liesbeek River, famous for its early vineyards, grand estates, and long-standing connection to the Anglican Archbishop.

Bishop's Court

Bishop’s Court is a southern suburb of Cape Town, bordered by Newlands, Rondebosch, and Constantia. Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain and near the Liesbeek River, it features leafy streets, historic estates, and access to major roads such as the M3. The suburb’s fertile soils and mild climate historically supported vineyards and agriculture, and today it remains a prestigious residential area with proximity to schools, parks, and cultural landmarks.

History of Bishop’s Court

After Jan van Riebeeck arrived at the Cape in 1652, he began establishing agriculture for the Dutch East India Company to supply passing ships. The Cape served as a halfway station between Holland and its Eastern colonies. Van Riebeeck meticulously documented his observations in a diary.

He and his men discovered that the land behind the mountain, with its less violent winds, was forested and had rich, fertile soil. Van Riebeeck described the area as having “the loveliest and most beautiful weather in the world,” noting its broad and spacious land, ideal for agriculture. He planned to establish Free Burgers in the area.

In 1657, Van Riebeeck received permission to grant land to some of the company’s servants, known as Free Burgers, along the Liesbeek River. This led to the establishment of nine farms under Van Riebeeck’s strict supervision. This area marked the beginning of true colonisation in the Cape.

Sweet water

The Liesbeek River, central to what is now Bishopscourt, was first mentioned on July 14, 1652, and was initially called the Soete Reier, meaning “sweet river.”

Van Riebeeck was granted 213 acres stretching from the Liesbeek River. to Wynberg Hill, which he named Bosheuwel. In 1660, he planted a hedge of wild almond trees to mark the farm’s boundary—a feature now recognised as a national monument. Van Riebeeck also planted young vines on the farm, believed to be among the first wine production sites in the Cape. By the time he left the Cape in 1662, the vineyards were well established. The farm was sold to Jacob Cornelius van Rosendal, who produced some of the best wine of the era.

The estate changed hands several times and was acquired by Honoratus Maynier in 1805. He renamed the farm Protea, and his tomb is located on the estate. Following his death, the estate was occupied by Sir Lowry Cole, the governor of the Cape Colony, who oversaw the abolition of slavery in the region.

Home of the Bishop

Bishopscourt has served as the residence of the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town since 1849, when Bishop Grey named it Bishopscourt. The original estate was subdivided in 1937. Today’s Bishopscourt village includes Vineyard Estate, the area between Bishopscourt, the Liesbeek River, and Princess Avenue, and a section of Edinburgh Township between Princess Avenue and the M3.

Development in Bishop’s Court Village began in the 1930s, with the first houses reportedly built on Robinson Avenue in 1934.

The postal code for Bishop’s Court is 7708

Resources

Practical information for the Western Cape: regulations, permits, and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide

Browse businesses and places to visit in bishop’s Court

WEATHER IN BISHOPSCOURT TODAY

 

Useful Numbers

Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities in and around

  • Emergency Services

  • Police: Wynberg-021 799 1300
  • Fire: Constantia Fire Station-021 400 5514
  • Ambulance:10177

  • Medical

  • Closest hospital;2 Military Hospital-021 799 6911

  • Municipal & Utilities

  • Water:0860 103 089
  • Electricity:0860 103 089

  • Transport & Roads

  • Traffic Department: Gallows Hill Traffic Department-0860 103 089

  • Community & Safety

  • NSRI 087 094 9774
  • SPCA: Cape Of Good Hope- 021 700 4140

  • Local Contacts and Community Resources 

  • Post office;Wynberg-021 762 5757

  • Schools in Bishop’s Court

  • The Hill Pre-Primary-021 762 1243
  • Herschel Secondary School-021 670 7500
  • Find a comprehensive list of Cape Town Emergency Numbers HERE
  • Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
    Learn more about the project HERE

 

 

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