Surrender Hill Monumant is located approximately 13kms from Clarens on the road to Fouriesburg. Declared a South African National Monument in 1986, Surrender Hill is a reminder of the defeat the Boers (comprising of the combined forces of the South African Republic and the Republic of the Orange Free State) suffered against Great Britain and her empires during the Anglo-Boer War (1899 - 1902).
On the night on 28 July 1900 the British took Slaapkrans (now known as Surrender Hill), 1500 Boers managed to escape but 2 days later 3000 Boers surrendered at Slaapkrans under Boer Commander Prinsloo. By the 9 August 1900, the British felt they had won a psychological battle, they had burnt the Boer commandos weapons on Surrender Hill, captured over 4300 men, 2800 head of cattle, seized field guns, and destroyed millions of rounds of ammunition.
The prisoners captured at Surrender hill were exiled to Ceylon, Bermuda and St Helena and were only allowed to return to South Africa if they promised their allegiance to the British Crown, many never did!
The plaque at the site on Surrender Hill reads as follows:
"In July 1990 a large part of the Free State armed forces were surrounded by British troops in the Brandwater Basin. Gen CR De Wet and about 2 000 men escaped over Slabbert's Nek. In the basin, Chief Comdt Marthinus Prinsloo assumed command and on 31 July agreed to surrender. More than 4 300 Boers laid down their arms. Most of them at Surrender Hill, where the British destroyed the captured arms and ammunition. The bare patches caused by the fire and exploding ammunition serve as a reminder of one of the most serious setbacks suffered by the Boers during the Anglo-Boer War."
Location:-28.60898584842537, 28.3870419188251
Parking available: 130m from monument.
Sediba Lodge offers self catering accommodation in Clarens, the "Jewel of the Free State". The Lodges are spacious, well appointed, fully serviced and offer home from home comfort. The view from all the windows is stunning.. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Barbet Country Cottages are situated on a large farm, 17km from Clarens along the magnificent Maluti route, a beautiful, scenic drive, including our very own 'God's Window', overlooking the vast Maluti Mountain ranges. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
This charming cottage is situated in the town of Clarens, known as "The Jewel of the Free State". It is within walking distance from the village square with its various shops and art galleries. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Golden Cove is a lovely comfortable and cosy self catering house in the quaint Clarens village and sleeps up to 6 people. There are 3 bedrooms, with 2 queen beds and 3rd bedroom has 2 single beds. Main bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with bath and... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Mt Horeb Manor, an upmarket Bed and Breakfast provides guests with an unforgettable stay in the charming town of Clarens. The guest house is tastefully decorated to offer each guest a luxurious, exclusive and unforgettable stay topped with warm... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Ongeag is a spacious, fully-equipped, self catering double story sandstone house, surrounded by the mountains of Clarens. Wide balconies integrate the warmth of the house with splendid views of the surrounding scenery. The house is designed to... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Welcome to 278 On Main. Luxury bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation right in the center of the picturesque village of Clarens in the Eastern Free State. Close enough to all Restaurants, Galleries and Shops to be able to park your car and... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Akzente is situated in the heart of Clarens, within walking distance of all the galleries, shops and restaurants, but still has a panoramic view of the valley and the mountains of Golden Gate and Lesotho... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Savoy offers affordable self catering accommodation in Clarens in the Eastern Free State. This self catering semi-detached chalet can accommodate up to five guests. The chalet has an open plan area, that consists of a King bed, with a single and... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Red Mountain House is situated in the heart of the beautiful village of Clarens. Our accommodation consists of 6 luxury double rooms furnished with turn of the century antiques and one standard room. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.