Trafalgar Park — Attraction in Cape Town Ward 115

Trafalgar Park in Woodstock, Cape Town, originated as a strategic military defense line built by the French for the Dutch East India Company in 1781, and the remaining French Redoubt was declared a National Monument in 1968. The site was formally established as a public park called the East End Plantation in 1905 to serve the residents of District Six, and has since been developed into a family-friendly green space with historical significance and a playground. Early History & Military Purpose 1781: The Dutch East India Company (VOC) requested French assistance to build a line of defense against potential British attacks. French Redoubt: This line consisted of forts and redoubts, with the one remaining today being the French Redoubt, a type of fort. 1795: After the British occupation of the Cape, these earthworks and forts were restored to form a defense line with British structures on Devil's Peak. Transition to Public Space & Preservation 1827: The defensive line was abandoned, and the structures were demolished, leaving only the French Redoubt. 1905: The site was formally established as a public park for the residents of District Six and was known as the East End Plantation. 1968: The last remaining redoubt was proclaimed a National Monument, securing its historical importance. Trafalgar Park Today The park is a popular green space with walking paths, grassy areas, and a playground. It serves as a peaceful retreat and is a point of historical interest, connecting to the rich history of the area, especially the nearby District Six. The park is part of a larger effort to restore and enhance the area, ensuring its historical and community value is preserved...

This is a place that has my interest due to its historical importance. Apart from being a park which was aimed at the residents of district six it has roots going back far further. In around 1781 The French garrison at the cape built a line of forts, to assist the Dutch East India Company to protect the city from the British. In the park you will notice a brick kiln and odd shaped walls which almost resemble a diamond, this is all that remains of the French Redoubt or Fort.

From the Cape Town etc website: "Five years after it was built, the line fell into a poor state of repair. In 1795 after the British occupation, the earthworks which connected the redoubts and the forts were restored. They helped form a defence line with the British blockhouses on Devil’s Peak. In 1827, they stopped using the line, and the structures were demolished, All that’s left now is the French Redoubt, and in 1968 it was proclaimed a...

I went to this park once, but I wouldn't recommend going again unless you're okay with broken glass, trash, and other unpleasant things scattered around. It's a shame because I'm sure this used to be a great place to spend the day, but now it's run down and getting worse, just like many other parts of our country...