Irene Concentration Camp Cemetery - Centurion, Pretoria

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Irene was the site of a concentration camp where the British housed Boer women and children during the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902) © License

Irene Concentration Camp Cemetery - Centurion, Pretoria

The Irene Concentration Camp, located in Irene, Centurion near Pretoria in Gauteng, is a historical site with significant heritage value related to South Africa’s colonial history. Established during the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), the Irene Concentration Camp was one of several camps used by the British to detain Boer civilians and combatants. It was situated in the area now known as Centurion, which was once rural farmland.

The population of the camp increased rapidly and people were housed in tents under poor conditions. A camp census report for Boer Prisoner Populations (April 1901) stated that there were 3703 prisoners of which 317 were sick and 49 had died. In 1901 alone, 808 people died, and 973 of the total were children. On 6 April 1901 a team of nurses started a nursing corps. Henrietta Armstrong kept a camp diary that was published in 1980. The camp was later extended and this second camp was known as Nylstroom. By the end of 1902 there were about 5400 people in the two camps. Although peace was declared on 31 May 1902, the camps were only officially closed in 1903. The Irene Primary School, adjacent to the cemetery, was founded in September 1901 for the Boer children in the concentration camp.

The Camp Cemetery had more than 2000 people allegedly buried there, although the cemeterys name list only lists 1149 names. A name plate with a number of 2156 was discovered but only 850 heaps of soil, indicating graves, could be found. The original gravestones, which had generally been hand-engraved on slate as at the Cottesloe monument, were removed and placed under cover to prevent further weather damage. The grave sites were formalised with stone plaques on which the names of the 1149 persons buried in the cemetery were engraved.

Today, the Irene Concentration Camp Cemetery on Main Road in Irene is a national heritage site, under the protection of the SA Heritage Resource Agency.

Historical Significance:

Establishment: The camp was established as part of the British strategy to control the civilian population and cut off support to Boer fighters. It primarily housed Boer women and children who were displaced from their homes due to the conflict.

Conditions: Like many other concentration camps of the time, conditions at the Irene camp were harsh. Overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and poor living conditions led to high mortality rates among the detainees.

Legacy: The camp is a stark reminder of the war's impact on civilians and serves as a historical point of reflection on the consequences of conflict.

Memorial and Museum:

Today, the site is home to a memorial and small museum, which includes a collection of historical artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the camp and the broader context of the Anglo-Boer War. The museum aims to preserve the memory of those who suffered and to educate the public about this period of South African history.

Contact Details for the Irene Concentration Camp:
Address: 11 Stopford Rd, Irene Security Estate, Centurion, Gauteng.

The site provides an important educational resource for understanding the impact of the Anglo-Boer War on the civilian population and serves as a historical landmark within Centurion.

Accommodation Near Irene Concentration Camp Cemetery - Centurion, Pretoria

Showing 1 to 10 of 10 results

Guest Rating: 10

Sleeps 7 in 3 units

^FromR 345

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Dunkelly

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Centurion

0.7km from Irene Concentration Camp Cemetery - Centurion, Pretoria

Dunkelly offers self catering accommodation in the Centurion suburb of Irene. Situated between Pretoria and Midrand in the quaint, picturesque and secure village of Irene, Dunkelly can be found nestled in a country village steeped in history... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sleeps 13 in 7 units

^FromR 2050

Per unit, per night

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Leopardsong Manor

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Centurion

1.6km from Irene Concentration Camp Cemetery - Centurion, Pretoria

Leopardsong Manor offers bed and breakfast accommodation in the Centurion Golf Estate in Centurion, Gauteng. Our bed and breakfast facility in Centurion Golf Estate has been noted for its stylish interior and spacious rooms overlooking one of the best... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

* Rates may vary according to season

Pheasant Hill Bed & Breakfast

Hotel / Boutique Hotel Accommodation in Centurion

4km from Irene Concentration Camp Cemetery - Centurion, Pretoria

Pheasant Hill offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Doornkloof East in Centurion, Gauteng. Experience the atmosphere of the countryside outside the Pretoria city centre. We are just 1km from the Rietvlei Dam Nature Reserve. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sleeps 6 in 2 units

^FromR 425

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

The Aviary

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Pretoria

8.4km from Irene Concentration Camp Cemetery - Centurion, Pretoria

The Aviary offers self catering accommodation in Waterkloof Glen in the south-west of Pretoria. We offer two units, The Sparrow (sleeps 2) and The Swallow (sleeps 4). Each with en-suite bathrooms (shower and bath), HD flat screen with full package DSTV. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

* Rates may vary according to season

The Woodpecker Inn

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Woodhill Golf Estate, Pretoria

10.5km from Irene Concentration Camp Cemetery - Centurion, Pretoria

The Woodpecker Inn offers luxury bed and breakfast accommodation at the prestigious Woodhill Residential and Golfing Estate in Pretoria East. Woodpecker Inn is only 50 meters from the clubhouse, on the 18th fairway overlooking the 9th and 18th green... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Guest Rating: 9

Sleeps 18 in 6 units

^FromR 780

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

The Cottage

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Midrand

12km from Irene Concentration Camp Cemetery - Centurion, Pretoria

The Cottage provides bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation in Glen Austin, Midrand, Johannesburg. We are small and personal yet elegant and accommodating. Beautiful spacious garden - out of city atmosphere. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sleeps 22 in 9 units

^FromR 510

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Bed & Breakfast in Hatfield

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hatfield

12.6km from Irene Concentration Camp Cemetery - Centurion, Pretoria

Bed and Breakfast in Hatfield - as the name suggests, provides bed and breakfast accommodation, but also self catering in Hatfield, Pretoria / Tshwane in the Gauteng province. We are close to the Pretoria CBD and bustling Hatfield is a 10min walk away. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Guest Rating: 10

Graded:

Sleeps 25 in 10 units

^FromR 2020

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

The Village in Hatfield

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hatfield

12.7km from Irene Concentration Camp Cemetery - Centurion, Pretoria

The Village In Hatfield provides bed and breakfast accommodation in Hatfield, Pretoria / Tshwane. The Village in Hatfield is a delightful guesthouse offering a cluster of separate units, perfectly appointed for a comfortable stay in the heart of Pretoria. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Guest Rating: 9

Sleeps 25 in 6 units

^FromR 498

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Queensrest

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Pretoria

14.2km from Irene Concentration Camp Cemetery - Centurion, Pretoria

Queensrest provides self catering accommodation in Queenswood Pretoria in Gauteng. Centrally situated in the established suburb of Queenswood, just a short distance from the Pretoria CBD. 6 Self-catering units to choose from. (Units sleep 4 - 6 adults). …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Graded:

Sleeps 18 in 9 units

^FromR 325

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Jopasso Guest House

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Pretoria

14.7km from Irene Concentration Camp Cemetery - Centurion, Pretoria

Jopasso Guest House offers luxurious bed and breakfast accommodation and self catering accommodation in Wapadrand, Pretoria /Tshwane in Gauteng. Situated against the Bron Mountain in the Eastern suburbs of Pretoria. It has spectacular views... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

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