Lady Grey | |
Pushpin Map: | South Africa Eastern Cape#South Africa |
Coordinates: | -30.7097°N 27.2144°W |
Subdivision Type: | Country |
Subdivision Name: | South Africa |
Subdivision Type1: | Province |
Subdivision Name1: | Eastern Cape |
Subdivision Type2: | District |
Subdivision Name2: | Joe Gqabi |
Subdivision Type3: | Municipality |
Subdivision Name3: | Senqu |
Subdivision Type4: | Main Place |
Established Title: | Established |
Established Date: | 1857 |
Leader Title: | Councillor |
Area Footnotes: | [1] |
Area Total Km2: | 25.1 |
Elevation M: | 1658 |
Population Total: | 7023 |
Population As Of: | 2011 |
Population Density Km2: | auto |
Demographics Type1: | Racial makeup (2011) |
Demographics1 Title1: | Black African |
Demographics1 Info1: | 85.7% |
Demographics1 Title2: | Coloured |
Demographics1 Info2: | 10.3% |
Demographics1 Title3: | Indian/Asian |
Demographics1 Info3: | 0.2% |
Demographics1 Title4: | White |
Demographics1 Info4: | 3.5% |
Demographics1 Title5: | Other |
Demographics1 Info5: | 0.3% |
Demographics Type2: | First languages (2011) |
Demographics2 Title1: | Xhosa |
Demographics2 Info1: | 53.0% |
Demographics2 Title2: | Sotho |
Demographics2 Info2: | 29.6% |
Demographics2 Title3: | Afrikaans |
Demographics2 Info3: | 13.6% |
Demographics2 Title4: | English |
Demographics2 Info4: | 1.8% |
Demographics2 Title5: | Other |
Demographics2 Info5: | 1.9% |
Timezone1: | SAST |
Utc Offset1: | +2 |
Postal Code Type: | Postal code (street) |
Postal Code: | 9755 |
Postal2 Code Type: | PO box |
Postal2 Code: | 9755 |
Area Code Type: | Area code |
Area Code: | 051 (-603-) |
Lady Grey is a rural village in the North of the Eastern Cape in South Africa near the border with Lesotho. It is situated in the foothills of the Witteberg mountains, due east of Aliwal North on the R58 road and from the capital of the Free State Province, Bloemfontein.
Lady Grey was established on the farm Waaihoek, purchased by the Dutch Reformed Church of Aliwal North on 30 April 1857 for the purpose of founding a new congregation. It was named in honour of Eliza Lucy Grey (née Spencer), daughter of Sir Richard Spencer, and wife of Sir George Grey the Cape governor . The first municipality of Lady Grey was proclaimed in 1893. Currently, Senqu Local Municipality has its seat in Lady Grey.[2]
Tucked away in a valley below the majestic Witteberg mountains, Lady Grey is a hidden gem, a tranquil, rural village founded in 1858. Surrounded by soaring mountains, crisp clean air and gentle streams, a number of charming country cottages provide a cosy retreat for the weary traveller. Old buildings have been restored to attract tourists and relocators.
Lady Grey attracts nature lovers, bird watchers, hikers, star gazers and fly fishing enthusiasts. Wild trout and yellowfish are found in abundance in the streams and rivers in the area. Visitors wishing to fish here are advised to obtain a permit from the local fly fishing association, especially for fishing on private property, through which most of the streams flow.
The well-known Lady Grey Arts Academy is an exceptional combined Primary and Secondary school for pupils wanting to further their education in the performing and visual arts as well as in music. Regular shows, like the passion play during Easter, as well as Christmas plays are performed, and art exhibitions are being held by the school in Lady Grey.[3]