THE CASTLE OF GOOD HOPE

Terence Mc Nally

The building of the Castle started in 1665.  It had a 5-pointed design and was to be used for the protection of the refreshment station and settlers in Cape Town.  It was completed in 1679.  In those days the sea water came right up to the Castle walls and the whole area that we know as the Foreshore today – with its high office blocks and businesses – would have been underwater!  The Castle was never used in any kind of battle and today is a great tourist attraction, with many areas still the same as they were all those years ago.  The Castle is said to be the home of many ghosts, which have been seen by Members of the South African Defence Force – who now use the Castle as one of their bases, as well as members of the public.  (See Section on “Myths and Legends” – Ghosts in the Castle)