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Aberdeen is in an area well-known for its stock farming and the quality of the mutton produced is the best in the world. The town is in aan area well known for its farm stays and hunting.
ABERDEEN
The town of Aberdeen is situated in the Camdeboo plains with the distant massif of the Toorberg, (meaning Magic Mountain) forming an impressive backdrop. Aberdeen is another country town that was founded by the Dutch Reformed Church in order that the surrounding farmers did not have to travel enormous distances in order to attend communion. It was founded on the farm Brakkefontein in 1855, and named after Aberdeen in Scotland, the birthplace of Rev Andrew Murray, who the famous Dominee of the Dutch Reformed Church at the time.
As one approaches Aberdeen one notices the spire of the ornate Dutch Reformed Church. Built in 1905, this church is an ornate, Edwardian riot, with one of the highest steeples in South Africa, which is 18 inches out of plumb. Aberdeen has a host of eccentric buildings all dating back to the time of the ostrich feather boom, none more so than the old post office and magistrates court which has peculiar and sinister looking gargoyles at the apex of the roof, looking down on the miscreants and customers as they enter the building. Many of the larger houses in the town have turrets at odd positions, rumour has it that the owners used these as illicit gambling dens and they could keep an eye out for the local constabulary from these follies.
Aberdeen was built on a large aquifer and the town became famous as an oasis in a very dry area, with renowned gardens and superb fresh produce.
Aberdeen is in an area well-known for its stock farming and the quality of the mutton produced is the best in the world. The town is in aan area well known for its farm stays and hunting.
Source: Courtesy Eastern Cape Tourism Board - www.ectb.co.za
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