The little seaport of Simon’s Town sprang to life when, in 1971, the ruling Dutch East India Company declared that it would use Simon’s Town as its winter anchorage. Although Cape Town’s Table Bay was the major docking point for ships rounding the Cape of Good Hope from the mid-1600s, this small bay on the southern peninsula became preferred during the tempestuous winter months.
Suddenly the village had a lot of work to do, and within 25 years, Simon’s Town was transformed into a busy naval port, complete with blacksmith, hospital, seamen’s accommodation, bakery and massive storehouses.
© Rovos Rail. 2024. Developed & maintained by TYL.
