The Story Behind the Rhodes Memorial

The immense and brooding spirit still
Shall quicken and control.
Living he was the land, and dead,
His soul shall be her soul!

These are the words found inscribed below the bust of Cecil John Rhodes on the lower slopes of Devil’s Peak in the Table Mountain National Park.

Situated at Rhodes’ favourite spot on the peak (which was originally known as Wind berg)  Rhodes Memorial is a tribute to Cecil John Rhodes, the British-born man who arrived on Cape soil at the tender age of 17 and went on to become Prime Minister of the Cape Colony.

Did you know? Rhodes's own wooden bench is still situated below the Memorial. While Devil’s Peak might have been Rhodes’ favourite spot, to find your own favourite spot see here and check out convenient and luxurious Cape Town accommodation.

Design of the Rhodes Memorial

Designed by the prolific architect Sir Herbert Baker as well as Sir Francis Macey, Rhodes Memorial is made of bronze and Cape granite quarried from Table Mountain.

Said to be modeled on the ancient temple found in the Greek area of Segesta, Rhodes Memorial consists of an imposing staircase of 49 steps, one for each year of Rhodes’ life. In keeping with Rhodes’ love of classical architecture, the design for the 8 lions that form part of the memorial was inspired by those found at Trafalgar Square in London. The lions were the work of   John Macallan Swan who is also responsible for the bust of Cecil John Rhodes, located at the top of the stairs.

This bronze bust of Rhodes rests on a pedestal featuring a poem written by his close friend, Rudyard Kipling; and the statue of Physical Energy at the base of the steps was commissioned as a tribute to his Rhodes’ drive and determination. The artist responsible for this work is George Frederic Watts.

Sidenote: Looking for things to do in Cape Town that double as a workout? Try a hike up Devil’s Peak, for inspiration click here and here.

History of the Rhodes Memorial

Rhodes owned much of the lower slopes of Table Mountain. Upon his death, he bestowed the land to the nation. Today, the upper campus of the University of Cape Town and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is on this land.

Built in 1912, the memorial offers spectacular views of Cape Town that face north-east. It’s easy to imagine the start of the Cape to Cairo road, which was Rhodes’ greatest dream for British imperial colonialism in Africa.  These views are best enjoyed in the early morning or evening when it’s not too hot. Speaking of the heat, for Cape Town’s weather forecast, click here.

Additional information about Rhodes Memorial

NB! Rhodes Memorial is open in winter (May through to September) from 08h00 to 18h00, and in summer (October through April) from 07h30 to 19h00.

Best bit: Entry is free.

Near Rhodes Memorial is a small forest that is home to the majestic Silver tree. Possibly the only place in the world where this native tree grows wild, Rhodes Memorial has one of the last remaining stands.

Tip: For those feeling a bit peckish, you’ll be happy to discover the Rhodes Memorial Restaurant and Tea Garden located behind Rhodes Memorial. We suggest a pot of tea with scones from the restaurant’s on-site bakery.