Sites

Elrich House was constructed in the 1860’s, a mere 15-20 years after the establishment of Bloemfontein, making it one of the oldest remaining structures and largely predating the prime of Bloemfonteins’ historical development. The site pre-dates many historically prominent and restored buildings including the old High Court (Derde Raadsaal), the telegraph offices, Parliamentary buildings and numerous churches, schools and urban infrastructure; a direct result of subsequent wealth. The double storied Elrich house testifies to a series of alterations, associated largely with recent functional changes and inclusive of the addition of burglar bars, steel roof supports, the enclosure of the original stoep and back entrance etc. Non period style alterations greatly serve to diminish the historical significance of the structure. The associated cultural landscape has also been totally demolished, not only by its modern urban setting but more directly by paved alterations to the total of the original garden. The house was until recently used by the Department of Education but has in the interim been abandoned.