This group of buildings creates a focal point in the Grey street matrix. Consisting of three stylishly linked buildings, it was commissioned by Bishop Jolivet and built in 1902 to designs prepared by W Street Wilson. The brick and plaster Cathedral, with its strong neo-Gothic and French provincial references, has a simple articulated basilica plan with an asymmetrically positioned tower and two corner pavilions flanking the main doors. The tower rises from the corner of Cathedral Lane and is surmounted by a unique tropical veranda belfry under an elegant fleche. Internally the Cathedral is significant for its simple spatial definition, focusing down the axis of the nave onto a sanctuary, which is beautifully enriched with nee-Gothic plaster moulds. Clever detailing had provided a most efficient natural ventilation system, which allows air to flow up through the clerestory windows and rosettes in the vaulted ceilings. The presbytery is a charming companion to the Cathedral facing out over the cemetery. The main architectural feature of the Presbytery garden is the grave of Fr. Saban, who arrived in Natal in 1852 and was buried here in January 1885. Across Queen Street is the Gandhi Library. In summer the Muslims stage a procession of floats to mark the tenth day of the first month of the Muslim calendar. This is to remind the faithful of the martyrdom of the Son of Mohammed.
The Drakensberg
Geology The Drakensberg Mountains had their onqm some 200 million years. ago when a vast landmass...
