1820 Settlers National Monument

The 1820 Settlers National Monument, which honours the contribution to South African society made by the first big influx of English settlers, overlooks Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape. A living monument, it commemorates the English language as much as the Settlers themselves. It is a venue for performances of many types.

The Monument is closely linked with the National Arts Festival, often known simply as the Grahamstown Festival. Ever since the monument's opening on 13 July 1974, the festival has been held there every year, except for in 1975. Virtually all possible venues in Grahamstown are used during the festival, but the Monument is the anchor of the event and the biggest venue too.

The monument was devastated by a fire in 1994 and rebuilt and was officially re-dedicated by Nelson Mandela in May 1996.

Famous quotes containing the words settlers, national and/or monument:

    When old settlers say “One has to understand the country,” what they mean is, “You have to get used to our ideas about the native.” They are saying, in effect, “Learn our ideas, or otherwise get out; we don’t want you.”
    Doris Lessing (b. 1919)

    I would dodge, not lie, in the national interest.
    Larry Speakes (b. 1939)

    Thou art a monument without a tomb,
    And art alive still while thy book doth live
    And we have wits to read and praise to give.
    Ben Jonson (1572–1637)