Joburg History Through the Lens of Brixton Cemetery

Joburg Admin / January 30, 2020

What Is It? Brixton Cemetery is one of Joburg's oldest, and the tumultuous history of our city is recorded on its gravestones. Almost 90 years after her death, the crimes of the wicked serial killer Daisy de Melker continue to shock. They visit the final resting places of her victims - two husbands and a son. Merchant and mayor, Norman Anstey is a more distinguished resident, as is the affable and influential Randlord, Sir Lionel Phillips. Stafford Parker is perhaps the cemetery’s most colourful resident. On 30 July 1870 at the settlement of Klipdrift, he became the first and only President of the short-lived self-declared "Diamond Diggers Republic". His government renamed Klipdrift "Parkerton" after its new President, and began to collect taxes (often at gunpoint). Journalist RW Murray described him as a "swagger citizen", and a master story-teller, and his signature item of clothing was a large white top-hat. They will also visit the graves of Johannesburg’s first Greek citizen, the founder of the farm (and now suburb) Douglasdale, 1913 and 1922 strikers, and many others that illustrate the fascinating history of the Golden City. Expert cemetery guides are Clare van Zwieten and SJ de Klerk, and research has been provided by the founder of Friends of Johannesburg Cemeteries, Sarah Welham. When Is It? Saturday, 01 February 2020 at 14:00 - 17:00. Where Is It? Johannesburg Heritage Foundation, 21 Rockridge Road, Parktown, Johannesburg. How Much Is It? Tickets are R100 for members and R170 for non-members, book at [email protected] For More Information Visit this Facebook page for more information on this event.

You might be interested in

Explore All
Kream: An Elegant Dining Experience
Food & Drink

Kream: An Elegant Dining Experience

02 May 2024

Celebrations deserve the perfect setting, and Kream is just the place! We spent an evening with Kream Brooklyn to wine, dine and have a good time, and we highly suggest you pay them a visit, too. From amazing service and divine cuisine, to beautiful decor

Read more
Alice In Wonderland at the Pieter Toerien Theatre
Events In Joburg

Alice In Wonderland at the Pieter Toerien Theatre

12 Feb 2020

Take a peak down the rabbit hole with the oh so curious Alice. Lewis Caroll\'s delightful classic is headed to the Pieter Toerien Studio Theatre. Bring the little ones along for a fantastical adventure!

Read more
Kahn Morbee Live At Bailey's Bedfordview
Events In Joburg

Kahn Morbee Live At Bailey's Bedfordview

15 Mar 2019

Parlotones frontman Kahn Morbee will perform live at Bailey\'s bar in Bedfordview on Friday, 24 May 2019.

Read more
One Love SA Benefit Live Stream Concert
Keep Entertained while in Quarantine

One Love SA Benefit Live Stream Concert

30 Apr 2020

Enjoy some of the best talent in Mzansi with the One Love SA Benefit Live Stream Concert, which aims to raise 1 million rand for the less fortunate.

Read more
A Tasty Experience With Vaal River Wine Expo
Events In Joburg

A Tasty Experience With Vaal River Wine Expo

13 May 2019

Wine to start of a great afternoon is all you need and the Vaal River Wine Expo is here to serve you the best of it, don\'t miss out of this tasty expo.

Read more
Event: Bedfordview Night Market Goes On Tour
activities

Event: Bedfordview Night Market Goes On Tour

23 Jan 2026

Friday, 30 January 2026 | 17:00 - 22:00 Friday night plans? Sorted. The Bedfordview Night Market is hitting the road and bringing its signature vibe to Edenvale Giants Baseball Club for the very first market of 2026! What to Expect At The Bedfordview Nigh

Read more