ADDENDUM TO ARCHAEOLOGICAL PERMIT APPLICATION

LOCATING THE FARMHOUSE/ FIELD HOSPITAL AND OUTSPAN AT BLAAUWBERG VLEI ,

Louisa Hutten

Co-author Marius Breytenbach

November 2014

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1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND MOTIVATION

On 8 January 1806 the British defeated Batavian forces in what is known as “The Battle of Blaauwberg”. The battle was fought on the premises of the farm Blaauwbergsvlei in the Western Cape.

In 1794 Blaauwbergsvlei was given to Johan Hendrik Muller. It was situated next to a spring that also served as an outspan for people travelling from along the West Coast to the North and back. According to Krynauw (1999:158) Muller was a shoe and saddle maker selling his merchandise to people on route. In 1802 Justinus Keer, a German from Eisenbach bought the farm (Krynauw 1999:158). The deed of the farm stated that it was the owners’ responsibility to keep the spring clean so to provide fresh water to people passing by (Krynauw 1999:159). By the 1950’s when Krynauw conducted his research, the original farm house had already been demolished. According to Krynauw another farmhouse dating much later was built near the location of the original farmhouse. It was demolished in the 1990’s and its ruins are still visible today (see Figure 4 and 5).

According to (Krynauw 1999:159) Justinus Keer transformed his farmhouse into a field hospital after the Battle of Blaauwberg, treating both British and Batavian soldiers. Reportedly Keer also buried dead soldiers on his farm (Krynauw 1999:159). The Journals and Letters of the Reverend Henry Martyn, Chaplain to the East India Company, also refer to the farmhouse being used as a field hospital. He provided eye witness accounts of the battle: “In the rear of the enemy's army there were some farm-houses, which we had converted into a receptacle for the sick, and in which there were already two hundred, chiefly English, with a few of the enemy. Here I entered and found that six officers were wounded; but as the surgeon said they should not be disturbed, I did not go in, especially as they were not dangerously wounded. The spectacle at these houses was horrid. The wounded soldiers lay ranged within and without covered with blood and gore. While the India troops remained here, I walked out into the field of battle with the surgeon...” (Martyn 1837:123).

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Much have been published on the Battle of Blaauwberg itself. As far as I know no formal research have been done on the fieldhospital/farmhouse and access routes to and from the outspan. This project can contribute to information regarding early 19th century life in the Cape, while also contributing to the presentation of the Battle of Blaauwberg.

2. SITE DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION

The site of the Battle of Blaauwberg and the location of Blaauwbergsvlei farmhouse is situated within the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve (Figure 1). The reserve is situated about 25km north of Cape Town and to the south of . The reserve is currently part of a restoration project to reclaim the natural Sand Plain Fynbos. In Figure 2 four important locations in the area are shown.

Figure 1: Extract from 1:50 000 topographical maps (3318CB and 3318CD c2000) showing the location of Blouberg and Kleinberg and the location of the Battle of Blaauwberg. The area in red outlines the battle field.

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Figure 2. Position A (S33.46’15.06” E18.29’52.44) indicates the location of the ruins of a previous farmhouse that was demolished in the 1990’s. Position B indicates the location of the Blaauwbergvlei spring. Position C indicates the location of a possible midden and structure that could relate to the original farmhouse at Blaauwbergsvlei. Position D indicates the outspan (also see Figure 9). Taken from Google Earth 18 September 2014.

In 1992 Gary Thomson (founding member and Chair of the “Battle of Blaauwberg

Preservation Society” and Committee member of the “Battle of Blaauwberg Heritage Society”) with the aid of a metal detector, found a large concentration of musket balls near to what was thought to be the possible location of Keer’s farmhouse (Figure 3). In the same area where Thomson found the concentration of musket balls, a large amount of imported ceramic shards were also found (see C on Figure 3). This may indicate the location of a midden relating to the farmhouse.

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Figure 3. A map drawn by Gary Thomson. The black dots represent musket balls that were found with a metal detector. Position A indicates the modern day ruins of the later farmhouse. Positions B indicates the spring, while position C indicates the possible location of Keer’s farmhouse.

Figure 4. The ruins of the later farmhouse that was demolished in the 1990’s.

Figure 5. A close-up picture of the ruins of the later farmhouse that was demolished in the 1990’s.

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Figure 6. The ceramics shown in the photographs are late 19th century and while they may indicate a domestic midden it is more likely that this is associated with the later farmhouse.

Figure 7. The possible location of a midden assosiated with the original farmhouse (see position C in Figure 2 and 3).

Figure 8. Photo taken from the ruins of the later farmhouse facing toward the hill of Blaauwberg and the battlefield (this view is taken toward the North- west of position A in Figure 2 and 3).

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Figure 9. A photo taken from the possible location of Keer’s farmhouse overlooking Blaauwbergsvlei. The Bluegum trees in the distance are situated in the area that maps designate as the outspan.

A Map from 1953 and aerial photographs from 1938 and 1953 show evidence of a structure in the area where Thomson found the concentration of musket balls and where the possible midden is located (Figure 10 and 11).

Figure 10. The above map, dating to 1938, was drawn with the aid of an aerial photograph taken at the time. The red sqaure indicates the demarcated agricultural area of Blaauwbersvlei farm. Access routes are also indicated.

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Figure 11. The above map is an enlargement of Figure 10. On it the spring at Blaauwbergsvlei is indicated. Three structures relating to the farmyard can also been seen. The structure in the red square may have been Keer’s farmhouse.

Figure 12. A photo of the later farmhouse around 1952. The current ruins of the house can be seen in Figure 4 and 5. Taken from Krynauw 1999.

Figure 13. A photo of Krynauw on the site that he indicates as being the location of the original farmhouse. He can be seen standing on a floor. The picture were taken in the 1950’s. Taken from Krynauw 1999.

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Figure 14. The above diagram is from the Survayer General’s office and respresents Lot La.F. Vide Dgm. 289/1872. It is dated to 1872 and indicates the spring at Blaauwbergsvlei. It also shows the main access routes leading to the outspan and indicates the conditions thereof.

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The site of the Battle of Blaauwberg (BoB) was declared a National Monument under the National Monuments Act of 1969. It is now protected under the National Heritage Resources Act (NHRA Act 25 of 1995) as a provincial heritage site. The site is protected under Section 35 (archaeology) and Section 36 of the NHRA (burials and war graves). This significant historic event has been the focus of much historic research and the 200 year celebration of the battle was the impetus for the creation of the Battle of Blaauwberg (BoB) Interest Group. The Friends of Blaauwberg Conservation Area (FoBCA) has been active in the rehabilitation of the Blaauwberg Conservation Area (BCA) with regards to removal of alien vegetation and the conservation of indigenous fauna and flora. The FoBCA arranges public events and education outings to increase awareness of the BCA. A number of public meetings focussing on the cultural/historic aspects of the BCA have been held, most notably presentations by archaeologists: Jonathan Kaplan, Graham Avery and Jayson Orton; historians: Dan Sleigh, Major Tony Gordon and Willem Steenkamp. The Friends have a close working relationship with the Biodiversity Management Branch.

During 2013-2014 Willem Hutten did his honours degree research proposal on mapping the battle field in order to identify the British artillery position. The planned research will build on data already gained from the collection and analysis of artefacts such as military ordnances, buttons and buckles. This data is an indication that the historic battle had indeed taken place on the farm Blaauwbergsvlei. Hutten’s reconstruction of the historical landscape further provides data that can be compared with that of this project. His analysis of muskets balls in determining the battle lines of the British and Batavian forces correlate with historical information on the location of the farmhouse.

3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The first and main objective is trying to locate Justinus Keer’s farmhouse from 1806, or any other structures relating to the existence of the farmhouse and artefacts relating to the Battle of Blaauwberg. This is significant for the following reasons: - The locating of the farmhouse/field hospital, will contribute to research regarding the Battle of Blaauwberg, the consequent battle and historical accounts of soldiers being treated at the farmhouse. Archaeological data from

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the farmhouse and surrounding area is of significance in the overall presentation of the Battle of Blaauwberg. - The basic layout of the farmhouse has its own story to tell. In her book “They came to stay: Discovering meaning in the 18th Century Cape country dwelling”, Yvonne Brink deals with important symbolic aspects of Cape country architecture (Brink 2008:109). Between the proclamation of Blaauwbergsvlei in 1794 and the Battle of Blaauwberg in 1806, the Cape went through some major political and social transformations. Buildings not only attest to historic events, but to the way people chose to live their lives. - The location of the farmhouse can in the future serve as a possible information centre/museum. Currently the site is in a conservation area. An onsite museum can serve historical as well as conservational needs.

Henry Martyn makes a very interesting remark in his eye witness account of the battle stating that “the spectacle at these houses was horrid” (Martyn 1837:123). He refers to “farmhouses”. There is thus the possibility of other buildings relating to the field hospital and not just a single farmhouse. In the area of the structures we expect to find metal objects such as military ordnances, buckles, buttons and coins relating to the battle as well as farming tools spanning the last two centuries. The high concentration of musket balls, buckles and buttons may be an indication of the existence of the field hospital. Field hospitals during the Civil War in America show evidence of musket balls with bite marks on them. Wounded soldiers clenched bullets in their teeth as a way to cope with the extreme pain of a surgical procedure without anaesthetic. Hence the term “biting the bullet” (Sivilich 1996:105). We also expect to find ceramics and other household articles that can help us to identify specific time periods. Any structural finds can be compared to data on Cape Dutch farmhouses of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. A concerted effort will be made to locate further pictorial evidence relating to the farmhouse and surrounds. A copy of the original deed of the farm will be obtained from the Surveyor General.

The second objective will be to locate the nearby outspan area (Figure 14). Secondary sources indicate that the farm and vlei were an important public outspan area for travellers between Cape Town and to the North. Locating the farmhouse will

11 help in the plotting of the main routes running from Cape Town along the West coast to the North and how it linked to surrounding farms. We expect to find metal objects relating to travellers such as coins, cutlery, tools and metal parts of wagons. We also assume that both General Baird and Janssens had to make use of these routes traveling from and to Cape Town. We could thus also retrieve artefacts relating to the battle itself. Due to the facts that the road had been in use for nearly two centuries, artefacts can also help in establishing a chronology.

4. METHODOLOGY

4.1. The primary objective: Identifying the location of the original Blaauwbergsvlei farmhouse and other possible structures or artefacts that relates to the existence of the farmhouse or to the Battle of Blaauwberg.  The larger area that encompasses the vlei, outspan, farmhouse will be determined by conducting an archaeological survey using field walking and possibly geophysical techniques such as magnetometry and ground penetrating radar.  After assessing the data the primary and secondary archaeological area will be divided further into survey quadrants.  It is possible to obtain a GPS position of the structure that is indicated on the 1953 map and aerial photograph. Survey quadrants will thus be set out in the within the perimeters obtained from the map and aerial photograph. Test pits will be dug in order to expose possible features.  There is a large amount of imported ceramics laying around which could be an indication of a midden (see Figure 6). After identifying the perimeter of the midden, excavations will be done in this area. Artefacts from the midden and typological analysis of ceramics can help in establishing a site chronology.  All in situ artefacts and features will be recorded using a total station.  The intention of this project is not to exhume graves. If during the course of this project graves are identified, their location will be mapped. Burials are expected to be located deeper than one meter. Should human burials be uncovered during the course of this investigation, SAHRA will be notified and will advise on whether these remains should be exhumed.

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4.2. The secondary objective: Locating the outspan area nearby the house (Figure 9 and 14).  The area identified as possibly being the outspan area will be divided into survey quadrants using a total station.  By way of systematic field walking artefacts will be marked and collected.  Each quadrant will be investigated by using metal detectors. Finds will be marked and plotted.

5. RESEARCH TEAM

5.1. Friends of Blaauwberg Conservancy: Battle of Blaauwberg Interest Group

Roy Fuller-Gee – Chairman FoBCA He has been a member of the Steering Committee of the FoBCA since its establishment in 2003 and was involved in the proposed 2006 Bicentenary celebration of the Battle of Blaauwberg. He has also served as Chairman of the Committee of the FoBCA since 2010.

Ian van Oordt - Project co-ordinator He has been researching the Battle of Blaauwberg for past 8 years and built the diorama for the 200 year celebration. He is a founder member of the Cannon Association of South Africa and takes a keen interest in cannon design and history.

Gary Thomson He is a founding member and Chair of the “Battle of Blaauwberg Preservation Society” and Committee member of the “Battle of Blaauwberg Heritage Society”. Gary was responsible for the exhibition component of the 2006 Battle of Blaauwberg Bicentenary celebration. Has been actively researching the BoB for the last 20 years to assist the British War Graves (Major Anthony Gordon) and the then National Monuments Council. Undertook a detailed investigation of the site of Bloubergsvlei farm in 1996 (site of the field hospital after the battle of 8 January 1806). Gary is presently retired, but actively involved as a volunteer at the Military Museum at the Castle.

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5.2. Archaeologists

Louisa Hutten: Field director She holds a BBibl degree, a BA Honours degree in Archaeology and a Master’s degree in Anatomy specialising in Archaeozoology. Is a member of the Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists (ASAPA) and is an accredited Cultural Resource Management (CRM) member. She currently serves on the ASAPA council and has 20 years’ experience as an archaeologist. She is currently employed at the Department of Archaeology, UCT as a senior scientific officer. She co-ordinates the UCT field school and is actively involved in the training and skills development of the post-graduate students. A number of post graduate students will be actively involved in this project as part of the field training.

Willem Hutten: Field supervisor

He is currently busy with Honours in Archaeology at UNISA. Specialisation: Historical archaeology and Iron Age archaeology.

Marius Breytenbach: Field supervisor

He is currently busy with Honours in Archaeology at UNISA. Specialisation: Historical archaeology and Iron Age archaeology. The results of this study will be written up for his honours thesis.

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REFERENCE LIST

Brink, Y. 2008. They came to stay: Discovering the meaning of 18th Century Cape country dwelling. African Sun Media: .

Hodder, I. 1997. Always momentary, fluid and flexible: towards a reflexive excavation methodology. Antiquity 71: 691-700.

Hodder, I. 2000. Towards reflexive method in archaeology: the example of Çatalhöyük. McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research / British Institute of Archaeology at Ankara Monograph. Cambridge: London.

Krynauw, D.W. 1999. Beslissings by Blouberg. Tafelberg: Kaapstad.

Martyn, H. 1837. Journals and Letters of the Rev. Henry Martyn. Burnside: London.

Sivilich, D. M. 1996. Analysing Musket Balls to Interpret a Revolutionary War Site. Historical Archaeology 30(2):101-109.

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