Despatch: Brick History and Regional Discoveries

Despatch is a destination whose history is especially well told through bricks. The local brick industry shaped the town’s name and is also of interest in the wider area: bricks from Despatch were used to build many houses in Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage. If you enjoy connecting tangible objects with a bigger story, this offers an unusual way to discover the town. When looking for holiday accommodation, you can consider whether Despatch’s industrial history should be the focus of your trip, or whether you would rather explore the different themes of the wider Nelson Mandela Bay destination.

Despatch’s Brick History at the Museum

The Despatch Museum displays original bricks made in the town, as well as two models of red brick chimneys. The models were built by a former municipal engineer. Together, the exhibits draw attention to the materials and architectural forms associated with the brick industry. Despatch’s name also derives from the brick industry for which the town was known.

A brick chimney built in 1882 was part of the once-thriving brickworks in Despatch. As well as the museum exhibits, the former production and its history are also a focus in the town. The bricks’ documented uses across the region broaden this perspective: they were used in many houses in Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage. The connection therefore extends beyond Despatch’s history, without making the towns a single place.

The collection also holds surprises that are not directly related to the brick history. The museum displays a small Stegosaurus model; a Stegosaurus was discovered in Despatch in 1903. Sports memorabilia recalls South African athletes who grew up in Despatch. Together, industrial history, an unusual discovery and sporting biographies create a broader picture of the themes associated with the town.

A Different Perspective on Nelson Mandela Bay

The wider Nelson Mandela Bay destination offers other, quite different interests. Algoa Bay, the coastal region of Nelson Mandela Bay, has 40 kilometres of beaches. This regional coastal landscape offers a different travel focus from Despatch’s brick history. When choosing where to stay, it may therefore be important to consider whether you want to explore the town itself or weigh up different themes within the destination as you plan your trip.

Culture, Coast and Art

In Uitenhage, the Drostdy Museum documents the historical development of the town and surrounding districts. Its exhibits include toys, porcelain and clothing; it also houses an archival library. The museum is located at 50 Caledon Street. It offers a different cultural focus from Despatch’s brick history and adds to the picture of the wider Nelson Mandela Bay area.

Route 67 consists of 67 public artworks symbolising Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of campaigning for South Africa’s freedom. Guided tours of Route 67 are available from the Donkin Visitor Information Office in the lighthouse building; check current tour options before your visit. Donkin Reserve offers views of Gqeberha, the harbour and Algoa Bay. Public art and sweeping views of the city, harbour and bay thus appeal to different interests from the collection items in Despatch.

Landscape and Wildlife Viewing

The landscape also offers further themes across the wider destination: Kragga Kamma Game Park encompasses coastal forests and grassland, with white rhinos, lions, buffalo, cheetahs, giraffes and zebras. Sightings of individual species are not guaranteed. The park offers guided game drives and self-guided wildlife viewing; check current arrangements with the operator, as its policies may change.

If you place more emphasis on the coast, art or wildlife viewing, you can take the different highlights across the wider Nelson Mandela Bay area into account when choosing where to stay.

For the wider travel overview: Port Elizabeth.