Wolseley

• Province: Western Cape
• Winelands
• Coordinates: 33°24′47″S 19°12′06″E
• Area: 5.0 km2
• Municipality: Witzenberg

Wolseley is in the Breede River Valley of the Western Cape, about 90 kilometres north-east of Cape Town. The town lies south of Ceres and east of Tulbagh, with the Witzenberg Mountains forming part of the surrounding landscape. It is accessed via the R43 and R46 routes and sits near the Mitchells Pass connection between Ceres and the broader valley region. The area is known for fruit farming, vineyards and mountain scenery, forming part of the wider Cape Winelands region.

History of Wolseley

This town was founded in 1875 on the farm Goedgevonden (Well found) and named after Sir Garnet Wolseley, who was the governor of Natal and the supreme commander of the British forces at the time.

Fruit industry in Wolseley

The village was first developed as a railhead for the local fruit growers. The line reached Wolseley in1876. Soon, the village developed a small yet thriving industrial base.

Many of the town’s buildings were damaged in the 1969 earthquake.

The Cape Orchard Company was begun here by Leicester Dicey in the 1890s. He and his cousin built up a large fruit-growing industry, along with supporting industries such as wooden crate building in the area. Tree nurseries were also established to grow strong trees. Railway lines were extended to Wolseley to transport the fruit to Cape Town.

The first wool washery in the country was built here, and the first fruit cannery opened in 1936

Anglo-Boer War blockhouses

Stone blockhouses in the area were built by the British during the Anglo-Boer War in 1901 to protect the Railway bridges. Many of these require repair, but the local blockhouses are remarkably intact

The postcode for Wolseley is 6830.

Resources

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

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