The Siege of Lydenburg: How Fort Mary Defended Its Ground

The Fascinating History of Fort Mary and the Viljoen Street Powder Magazine

The history of Fort Mary is closely tied to the historical powder magazine located on Viljoen Street. Many of the stones used in constructing the powder magazine feature engravings of names belonging to soldiers of the 94th Regiment, once stationed at Fort Mary. These engravings remain visible to this day.

Origins of the Powder Magazine

In December 1883, the government commissioned the construction of a new powder magazine. Completed in 1890 by Mr. Henry E. Rink, the structure incorporated stones inscribed with the names of British soldiers. These stones originally came from Fort Mary, named after Mary, the wife of Second Lieutenant Walther Long, the fort’s commanding officer.

Fort Mary During the Siege of Lydenburg

Fort Mary played a crucial role during the siege of Lydenburg, which lasted from December 23, 1880, to March 30, 1881. British troops of the 94th Regiment prepared the fort to withstand heavy attacks. Supplies stored in an underground magazine included:
• 200,000 rounds of ammunition
• Three months’ supply of preserved meat
• Eight months’ supply of flour
• Fresh produce

On January 3, 1881, Boer forces positioned themselves two miles from the Middelburg road and launched their first attack on January 6. Although 250 Boer soldiers demanded the fort’s surrender, Lieutenant Long refused.
Despite several Boer offensives—including setting the fort’s thatched roof on fire on March 4—the garrison held firm. On March 10, a surrender offer was delivered under a white flag but was rejected by Long. The siege ended on March 30 when Lieutenant Baker of the 60th Regiment brought dispatches confirming peace terms.

The Pre-Siege Powder Magazine

Lydenburg already had a powder magazine before the siege. Built in 1867 following a Volksraad request by Commandant General M.W. Pretorius, it was located near a water furrow and the town jail. However, by 1888, Commandant General L.F. de Souza reported the building was prone to flooding, which made it unsuitable for storing gunpowder.
In response, plans for a new magazine were developed, and tenders were announced in the Staatskoerant on July 17, 1889. The contract was awarded to Mr. Rink for £400, and the new magazine, located on Erf 156, was completed in April 1890.

Fort Mary After the Anglo-Transvaal War

After the Anglo-Transvaal War, the region experienced a period of peace until the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War in October 1899. On September 6, 1900, Lydenburg surrendered to British forces led by General Sir Redvers Buller. Two days later, the Battle of Paardeplaats unfolded as Boer and British forces vied for control of Mauchsberg, a strategic mountain overlooking the town. The British ultimately occupied Lydenburg for the remainder of the war.

Historic Legacy

Lydenburg and its surroundings remain a historical treasure trove. Visitors can explore Late Iron Age stone-walled sites, rock art at Boomplaats, and landmarks from the Anglo-Boer War. The enduring legacy of Fort Mary and the Viljoen Street powder magazine offers a glimpse into South Africa’s rich and turbulent history.

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Explore the rich history of Fort Mary and Viljoen Street’s powder magazine. Discover their roles during the Siege of Lydenburg and the Anglo-Boer War.