Across the road from the oldest Test cricket stadium in South Africa, St Georges Park, stand the St Georges Preparatory School.Knockfierna (Hill of Fairies or Truth) was originally built as a beautiful grand Victorian Mansion by John Daverin, from Ireland, who was a successful Wool Merchant, in 1899. John and his wife, Clothilda, brought up their 7 children in the grand style befitting this era.John Daverin died in 1922, and Knockfierna was sold to James Harroway who later sold it to Raymond Hutchinson, from London.St George’s Preparatory School was founded in 1936 by Raymond Hutchinson to provide a private school education for boys aged 7-14 and prepare them for Public Schools in South Africa and overseas.The first enrolment numbered about 50 boys with approximately 25% being boarders. The school became co-ed in 1987. – Info courtesy: St Georges Prep School
Hi Firefly,still enjoying your blog immensely.I know its a bit away from PE but I was wondering if you have ever taken any photos of the mountain Pass leading to the Kango Caves from George. I was awestruck by it when we visited in 2008 but as I was driving I could not take any photos. Also when we left the Little Karoo heading for Stellendam that was another breathtaking mountain Pass.
stunning. simply stunning.
Travellin'van – I don't really have much of the passes in the Southern Cape, but we are heading down that way on holiday in December, so I'll have an opportunity to take lots then.
Eish, this photo brings back vivid memories of my time at this school, way back in the 1960's. Thanks.
Thanks for the reply Firefly. I look forward to some spectacular shots.
Wow – can you imagine the whole of St George's Prep as one mansion?? How wonderful to have grown up there!
Love this photo… My brother went to school there many years ago and there was a kid there named David Fry and he had a brother named Brian Fry?!Is this the same Fry that you are mentioning?
@Anonymous, it could well be. It was a request that came via e-mail back then.
My late father in law was Jack Daverin and was brought up there. He had a wonderful childhood albeit very Victorian. Children were seen and not heard and they saw their parents for about an hour a day. I have many photos of knockfierna when they lived there snd it was beautiful. Sadly little or nothing of the house is in the family now. Just memories.