About Prince Alfred's Guard Drill Hall
The Prince Alfred's Guard Drill Hall stands on the corners of Castle Hill, Prospect and Daly Streets in Port Elizabeth's centre, conveniently close to many Port Elizabeth hotels. The beautiful building, built in 1880, is the headquarters of one of the oldest volunteer regiments in South Africa - the Prince Alfred's Guard (PAG) Regiment.
Did you know? The cannon and exhibits are not automatically open to the public. Contact staff on duty to find out if it suits them.
The regiment emerged in 1856 in an attempt to raise local volunteer troops to help regular troops, and functioned as a guard of honour to Prince Alfred, Queen Victoria's second son, when he visited South Africa in 1860. At the time they were known as the Port Elizabeth Volunteer Rifle Corps. The Duke of Edinburgh allowed them to adopt his name after his visit to the city.
Its status as a reserve unit is on a par with that of a British Army Reserve or American Army National Guard and its members served in the Xhosa Wars, the Anglo Boer War, World War One, the Union Defence Force, World War Two, and in border conflicts in Angola and Namibia.
Its Victorian architectural style and Edwardian façade today houses the regimental museum alongside other military exhibits, including the 'miracle cannon' - one of the most perfectly preserved of the bronze cannons rescued from the wreck of the Sacramento (1647) at Schoenmakerskop. The cannon is a wonderful example of the work of master cannon founder, Pedro Dias Bocarro, said to have made the best cannons in the world (you can see another of these cannons at the start of the Sacramento Trail at Schoenmakerskop).
The drill hall has fulfilled other roles in its time, in particular it functioned as a hospital during the South African War (1899-1902). But it has also hosted balls, theatre productions and been a roller skating rink. It was designed by Storey and Wilson who apparently worked for the railway at the time, and gave of their services free of charge.
Need to Know
WherePrince Alfred's Guard Drill Hall, Castle Hill, Prospect and Daly Streets in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Port Elizabeth Accommodation, Eastern Cape
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inAttractions near Central Hill
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Port Elizabeth
23 On Glen Guest House
23 on Glen offers bed & breakfast accommodation in seven comfortable rooms in central Port Elizabeth. All rooms have a TV with DStv, Wi-Fi and te...
Field's Rest
Welcome to Field's Rest, a small family run Port Elizabeth guest house in Walmer. We pride ourselves in the quality and value for money we offer ...
Dolphin Dance Self Catering
Dolphin Dance offers guests comfortable holiday apartments in Bluewater Bay, Port Elizabeth. When staying at Dolphin Dance you are just 1km away ...
First Avenue Guesthouse
First Avenue Guesthouse is a well established 4 Star accommodation situated in a quiet cul-de-sac opposite Hobie Beach in the popular beachfront ...
Harmony Game Lodge
Harmony Game Lodge is a tranquil and quiet game lodge nestled amongst bush, enriched with vegetation such as the Cape Aloe, spekboom and thorn tr...
Colleen Glen Self Catering Cottage
Situated close to both the beach and town, Colleen Glen Self Catering Cottage offers a peaceful farm experience. Guests can enjoy bird watching a...
Bishops Lodge
Discover a blend of comfort and affordability at Bishops Lodge in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Embrace ocean views, contemporary amenities, and tho...
Whales Way Lodge
Situated just 15 minutes from Nelson Mandela Bay's City Centre and airport, Whales Way Lodge offers perfect holiday accommodation. Choose from ou...
Summerstrand-Stay Luxury Apartment
The apartment is designed to accommodate 2 guests and is elegantly furnished with a queen-size bed. The kitchenette is thoughtfully equipped and ...
Things to do in the area
Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra
If you enjoy the smooth sounds of classical music, then you should not miss the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra in action at the stunning Fea...
No 7 Castle Hill
No 7 Castle Hill was completed in 1830 and is now regarded as one of the oldest surviving settler cottages in Port Elizabeth. The interior presen...
Port Elizabeth Library
The gorgeous building of the Port Elizabeth Main Library is found in the north-west corner of Market Square in Port Elizabeth. The building was o...
Mannville Open Air Theatre
Every year the Port Elizabeth Shakespearean Festival stages an open-air production of one of the works of William Shakespeare, at the Mannville o...
The Donkin Reserve
The Donkin Reserve is one of the best known historical attractions in Port Elizabeth, telling a fascinating story of the discovery and developmen...
Route 67 Art and Heritage Walk
Late in 2011, timed for launch on Heritage Day, the new art project route known simply as Route 67 was opened to the public. Nelson Mandela Bay h...
Port Elizabeth Opera House
The Opera House is the oldest theatre on the continent of Africa and the Southern Hemisphere. When the theatre opened it was recognised as “The f...
Campanile Tower
Standing tall and proud over the city centre of Port Elizabeth in Nelson Mandela Bay, The Campanile has long been an iconic feature on the Friend...
Port Elizabeth Market Square
The Market Square in the heart of the Port Elizabeth town centre is a historical icon that reveals much about this old coastal town. It is home t...
Accommodation convenient to Prince Alfred's Guard Drill Hall
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Eastern Cape Accommodation / Sunshine Coast Accommodation / Port Elizabeth Accommodation