Lindley

Name: Lindley

Proclaimed a town in 1878, Lindley is named after the missionary, Daniel Lindley, an American Presbyterian minister of the Voortrekkers in the 19th century.



Historically notable was the Battle for Yeomanry Hills which took place during May 1900 between British and Free State forces on 29 May 1900. Biddulphsberg is situated near the town of Senekal. While this battle was taking place, the Boers were attacking the Imperial Yeomanry at Lindley. These two battles were closely connected and the reason is that when the Yeomanry were besieged, Lt Gen Rundle with his 4 000 men at Senekal tried to divert the Boers attention from Lindley to himself with a march from Senekal to Bethlehem. The artillery bombardment set the veld on fire and was at first used as a smoke screen by the attacking British soldiers. After a while, the wind changed direction and posed serious problems for the attackers. This and the continuous Mauser fire proved too much for the British force and they had to retire, leaving the Boers victorious. Casualties: Boer 40; British 180.


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Other interesting info:

The farm Doornkloof of famous Voortrekker leader, Sarel Cilliers, is also in the district, forming today the national headquarters of the Voortrekkers youth movement.

Noteworthy is also the widely published memoirs of a woman Voortrekker pioneer, Anna Elisabeth Steenkamp, born in Franschoek, but who participated in the Groot Trek and later resided in the district.

Lindley is also the birthplace of Dr. Danie Craven, described as the father of South African rugby.




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