The pyramid was erected by Sir Rufane Donkin in memory of his young wife who died in India shortly before he came to the fledgling city. He administered the Cape colony from 1820 to 1821 and named the rising seaport of Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth in memory of his wife.
The plaque on the pyramid reads, "To the memory of one of the most perfect human beings who has given her name to the Town below."
The lighthouse is no longer in use as it lost its effectiveness as the city grew up around it and was replaced with a new metal structure on the coast.
22 comments:
Very interesting structures and a very unique Skywatch Post!
Cheers, Klaus
It's a beautiful structure and very smart of the city to keep it in good shape. I'm sure it attracts many tourists. Hey! I'd want to see it if I were in Port Elizabeth, ;-)
Happy Sky Watch!
This is a really nice photo for sky watch.
My Sky Watch Friday blog is at my Canon Pixels blog. If you have time I would appreciate your having a look at the sky peeking through the oak tree leaves.
I have had a drink tonight so I thought I was seeing things. A most unique skywatch
Fabulous sky. Beautiful and interesting structs. Excellent capture for SWF.
Quite the unique building... glad it was not torn down regardless of it not being used anymore... it's very nice... great post.
Mountain Retreat
Amazing things to see in your pretty blue sky! I like what is written on the plaque. She must have really been special.
nice photo of a place I have never been. Thanks for sharing
That's a cool shot..Thanks for sharing..
Happy SWF
I suspect that one of the structures in this image is bordering on phallic! Having said that, it is a most satisfying composition.
This is so beautiful! I LOVE lighthouses!
Very nice photo!!
That is an unusual lighthouse structure. I´ve never seen both of these forms together. Thanks for your lovely story.
Interesting to see the pyramid next to the light house.
Paz
what a fun set of buildings, and a great skywatch photo!
Lovely photograph, I particularly appreciate the historical comment.
Cool, a lighthouse and a pyramid in the same pic.
What a nice photo....the lighthouse and the unusual pyramid....amazing.
Classical Donkin photo. Nicely done.
Excellent composition, the sky is so clear and makes the architecture so unique and sharp. Anna :)
Great picture and thanks for that little bit of info on it.
I've always thought that this was one of the most romantic stories I'd ever heard - the heartbroken Sir Rufane Donkin naming the city after his late wife who never laid eyes on the place. We don't make a big enough fuss about it, or the pyramid with its lovely inscription. When there is talk abtou changing the city's name it makes my blodd boil - who wouldn't want a city named for a great love, rather than someone aloigned with a particular political party?!
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