Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Captain Francis Evatt

In front of Fort Frederick, Port Elizabeth's oldest building, visitors will find the grave of Captain Francis Evatt. Widely known as the father of Port Elizabeth, Captain Evatt commanded Fort Frederick from 1817 - 1847. He supervised the landing of the 1820 British Settlers who was brought to shore under the protections of his soldiers, and provided them with provisions and canvas accommodation. He was originally buried in the St Mary's Anglican Church in the city centre and was later moved to the present spot next to the Fort's north wall.

4 comments:

  1. Always nice with a history lesson.

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  2. I find it fitting that he be buried beside the fort he commanded rather than inside a church. Thank you for the fine history lesson.

    I also love the fort's old stone walls and that magnificent view of the harbor.

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  3. I like Hilda's thuoughts on this. Beautiful setting.

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  4. Presumably this is who Evatt Street was named after too??

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