In 1896/97, Max Langermann secured a lease to establish a proposed township that he named Kensington, inspired by the London borough. An 1899 map of the Witwatersrand gold fields (by Wood and Ortlepp) includes "Kensington proposed township,” but development plans were evidently disrupted by the Anglo Boer War. Nonetheless, Langermann is regarded as the founder of Kensington and today his legacy endures in local landmarks such as Langermann Kop—though erroneously spelled as Langerman—and Langermann Drive.
Langermann, originally from Bavaria, Germany, arrived at the Witwatersrand in 1886. As an early mining entrepreneur and acknowledged as one of the Rand Pioneers—being a member of their association—he became prominent in Johannesburg's formative years. Langermann was also part of the Reform Committee comprising Uitlanders who were involved in the failed Jameson Raid of 1895; for his involvement, he faced imprisonment and was fined. Following this period and after the Boer War concluded, Langermann served on Johannesburg’s newly established Town Council between 1903 and 1905. In addition to his civic duties, he significantly contributed to Jewish community leadership by playing a pivotal role in founding the Jewish Board of Deputies in 1903 where he held office as its first president.
The view from Langermann Kop
In 1902, the Kensington Estate Co Ltd, with Langermann as Chairman, acquired Langermann’s rights. By 1903, they had established a township which was surveyed by James B Tucker and WHA Pritchard. The properties were available for purchase on either lease or freehold terms. Kensington was advertised as being close to the city center while offering stunning views of grand mountainous koppies and expansive rolling velds along picturesque avenues lined like parks. Promoted as a “health resort,” it boasted cool summer temperatures and freedom from dust storms common near growing mine dumps. The main roads throughout Kensington were named after British Anglo Boer War generals Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener in tribute to them. Additionally, in 1903 an area covering 13 acres designated parkland designed by the company bore Cecil John Rhodes’ name—all contributing elements that lent to its distinctly British colonial charm.If your heading toward joburg and wanted to visit this historical site then please contact us and book your room at Furaha Guest Lodge 45 Observatory Avenue, Observatory
Johannesburg, South Africa
Tel: 087 149 4148
Cell: 079 321 9175
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