Kestell

Kestell is a small maize farming town in the Free State Provinc

Kestell is a small maize farming town in the Free State Province of South Africa. The town was established in 1905 by Reverand JD Kestell only 20km southeast from the site of the Second Boer War Battle of Groenkop. The battle took place on December 25, 1901 when General Christiaan De Wet destroyed a British column.

The small town of Kestell is situated only 45 km from Bethlehem and was named after a Dutch Reformed Church miniter, JP Kestell. The town was founded in 1905 and boasts no less than 23 sandstone buildings which can be visited on an organized tour. The Battle of Groenkop took place in the area of Christmas Eve on 1901. Here the Boers had one of their greatest victories over the British. Kestell has the second largest sandstone church in the Free State and definitely one of the most beautiful. It can seat 1000 people and it is interesting to note that this little village had 1000 church members in 1980. at the foot of the hill, near a beautiful sandstone mansion, is a huge old oak tree where church services were held until 1905 when the congregation was founded. Kestell is sustained by a prosperous and important agricultural district where mixed farming is practiced. Some of the most spectacular scenery in the country (the Drakensberg and Malutis) can be enjoyed here.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there - Bethlehem 45 km, Qwa Qwa 28 km

Banks – Fnb, Standard Bank

ATM’s – 1

Mountains – Drakensberg, Maluti

HISTORICAL VIEW

Dutch Reformed Church – Historical sandstone church

Groenkop Battlesite

The scene of the battle where Gen Christiaan De Wet destroyed a British column, on Christmas Day, 1901, 20 km northwest of Kestell.

Paul Marè Gravesite

The grave, off the Bethlehem road, of the Voortrekker leader who died in bizarre fashion when he fell forward after standing up to watch game animals and his ox wagon rode over him.

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