The discovery of modern man to the cape was in 1488 by the Portuguese seafearer Barthlomew Dias but it was only 236 years after this in 1652 that Jan van Riebeeck stopped over to create a settlement for passing East India Company sailing Ships in Cape Town on the trade route to the east.

The local tribes of San and Khoi folk that inhabited the area were threatened by this occupation and thus emanated the greed for land that spread from the Cape to the Eastern Frontier of the Colony between Boers, British Settlers, Germans and the ethnic tribes for over two centuries. The arrival of the slave ships in 1658 added further to the complicated cultural mix from all continents.

This is a fascinating story of times of conflict, marred by racial tensions, hardships, drought and humble beginnings. Although the Fowlds family have only had an African influence for 150 years it is important for the guest to understand the reasons why the conflict of the 250 years had on the Eastern Cape.

Some interesting parallels can be drawn between the Bantu tribes ruling for a century by mere occupation on a first come first serve basis: this until the influence of Europeans who won several battles between all races. Rule went from tribal ,Dutch , Colonial British, to a Republic and then in nineteenth century we experienced the apartheid holocaust which lead to the country going back to an effectively black government or one of indigenous origin anyway.

It is further interesting to note that Xhosa Chiefs were incarcerated to the famous Robben Island some 100 years prior to Nelson Mandela’s famous 27years in the penitentiary. Several of the prisoners gave as much as the icon to the liberation struggle of Mandela but were never recognized due to lack of media exposure in the eighteenth century. The fact that so much is documented in the old era in such detail, is is in itself a miracle.

William Fowlds of Long Lee was born in Keighley, England in 1838. He was a typical Yorkshire man standing over 6’, broad shouldered, possessing untiring energy, and was a great lover of a horse. At 14 years he was apprenticed to a Keighley wheelwright, named Nimrod Mitchell who was to teach him the trade. When he had completed his years of service, his father said to him, in no unkindly spirit, “William, I can do no more for you. You have learned a trade. Now you must make your way in the world.” Little did either of them think that the way led across the sea to a distant land to the southern tip of the African continent.

It is evident from British History that Williams mother Sarah (nee Fowler 1780-1852) died in 1852 after running and owning a pub known as the “Masons Arms” in Low Street Keighley. William and his then wife (Greene) took the Hotel over soon after death and appeared to have married in 1958.The newlywed couple set sail for Africa, the Eastern Seaboard. He had found his way to the Cape and for a time had settled in Port Elizabeth. It was true that the Eastern portion of the Cape was inhabited by natives with whom there had been several epic frontier wars-the first of which commenced in the late 1700’s culminating in 1878 were the last shot was fired . To a bold and enterprising youth, these were attractions rather than discouragements.

One of the major underlying factors of the conflict was the greed for land in a burgeoning wool trade and pastoral cattle grazing shortage. In 1855 the harsh Eastern Cape suffered a severe drought which ravaged the region. Then in 1856 a prophetess named Nongqwause was addressed by the ancestral shades at the edge of a pool in the Gxaxa river- she believed if she carried out her instruction in the vision-the power of the people would be restored., hated white colonists would be driven into the sea and crops would sprout from barren soil. In 1857 thousands of cattle were slaughtered in obedience to her extortions’- and was to lead to the national suicide of the Xhosa nation. Not long after this William landed to start his career in Africa.

The great Cattle killing is a subject in itself and is not unlike the other five millenarian visions in the world expounded over the last 100 year period for one thing the cattle killing was not a military rebellion and that of those in Java Burma, New Zealand, Tanganika now Tanzania, and India. It remains unique in the traumas that accompanied European expansion and its impact upon the indigenous cultures and socoities whose submission it sought. In New Zealand for instance in the late 1860’s similar colonial and settler pressures threatened destruction of the maori way of life. were to produce the Pai Maire movement of the seer and prophet Te Ua Haumene, from which sprang active military resistance to the whites. A similar event occured in 1905 in Tanganyika with the Maji Maji tribe.

William Fowlds married a Yorkshire woman, Sarah Green, at the early age of 20 years, whose quiet self-control was the complement of his energetic almost impetuous spirit. She had a shrewd, observant mind, had the rare gift of reticence when words might be misunderstood, and ruled without appearing to rule. How much he owed to her calm, wise counsel cannot be over emphasised. It could be said “the heart of her husband do safely trust in her. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.”

She had six sons and two daughters: one son died in infancy. William had an elder brother, who was somewhat of a roving disposition! a. It was true that the Eastern portion of the Cape was inhabited by natives with whom there had been no less than 8 epic frontier wars-the first of which commenced in 1797. To a bold and enterprising youth, these were attractions rather than discouragements.

The stately ships of the Union Castle Company brought William and his wife in a sailing vessel on the three month voyage south. The wife suffered considerably during the voyage but was relieved to reach Algoa bay at last. She was carried through the surf by native bearers. He did not wait long for employment, taking two days to be employed by Tunbridge Wells; a wagon builder at the Addo drift about 40 miles east of Port Elizabeth. The journey by ox wagon seemed far in the unfamiliar surroundings of wild animals like elephants, lion and baboons. The language was new to them as well. Eventually they arrived at their destination. William later quoted that upon his arrival at Addo: “I had not the conventional half-crown to commence my new life.” But he had what was of more value than money. He had superb health, inexhaustible energy, a supremely honest purpose and an unfailing trust in the guiding hand of God. How far on the road these qualities would take he had yet to be seen.

Besides making wagons, Tunbridge kept a wayside hotel, the canteen or bar of which not infrequently proved an irresistible temptation. He remained with Tunbridge for 5 years until he was told he was too expensive a workman and his services were not longer required. He was now free to carve out for himself a career, and he looked round for a place favourable for his craft. A public road connected Port Elizabeth with Grahamstown. Between these two important towns was considerable wagon traffic. Especially to the interior where the discovery of diamonds in Kimberley in 1867 started and Rautenbachs drift was the first crossing on the Bushman’s, through the Suurberg mountain range and the Little Karoo. The roads were bad and breakages were not uncommon. Here a place was chosen at a drift and within a half a mile of here half his life was spent.

A piece of land on the west side was rented (from Buchner’s farm of Brakkefontein) and an out of work labourer made the bricks and then William built the house with his own hands. The rooms were small, the ceilings made of calico and the bricks had a propensity to dissolve; but at least the house afforded shelter. It was home however humble, and in it husband and wife resided several years, and here some of their sons were born. The time came when the site was purchased and a few yards distant he erected a more commodious house, and named it “Long Lee” after his Yorkshire home, and here he spent perhaps the happiest and most successful years of his life. He assisted Charlie Slater in building a house at Ashcombe which was the home of Francis Carey Slater, the well-known authoress. His son, Walter Holmes Fowlds, who inherited Long Lee, rebuilt the house. It was a double story home which took ten years to complete. This house has been renovated and is the Five Star Manor House at Shamwari Game Reserve...

Railways at the Cape were, at the time, in their infancy. Only one existed between Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage. At that time diamonds were discovered in Kimberley and thousands were flocking to the banks of the Vaal River, hoping to unearth a fortune with the blow of a pick. Machinery and supplies had to be carried by wagon 400 miles from Port Elizabeth along roads better known as tracks, northwards. This was William Fowlds’ “tide in the affairs of men” of which he did not fail to make good use. He made wagons by the score, year after year until his name bore a guarantee of good workmanship. He scorned bad work and faulty materials. He put himself into his work and took pleasure in it. As his business expanded, he bought land and became a farmer, and into his new pursuit, he threw the same untiring energy.

At an early date, he displayed a sound judgement of the value of animals, especially of horses and cattle, and the gain to be made by judicious exchange. As time passed by his land grew to contain his increasing herds of cattle. “Long Lee” became known for many miles round. Numerous visitors came and went; while others sought secure financial help: all were treated in an honest, straightforward manner.

William was fearless and in many instances, dared his life as he was not easily deterred. It would not be easy to multiply instances of the muscular strength he possessed in his days of vigorous health. He loved a bargain. It was a pleasure for him to make an excellent purchase or a profitable sale. But the hoarding of money had for him no attraction. He made many friends amongst the English and the Dutch.

Perhaps his life was too strenuous. He took few holidays, and said he did not need them. His work was his recreation. When rest became necessary, he sought it in a voyage to England and in the renewal of old friendships in Keighley. Occasionally, he would attend a meeting and if he could be persuaded to speak, his quaint simplicity and his anecdotal reminiscences were highly appreciated.

He was not a facile penman, and to write a letter was a laborious effort. Yet he seemed to remain in contact. Family ties were to him, links of affection binding together even across wide seas.

He was a Methodist of an old-fashioned and almost obsolete type. Notwithstanding the distance from Long Lee to Sidbury, ten miles over rough roads, he and his family were amongst the most regular attendants at the Wesleyan Church. Sometimes the tedium of the journey was relieved by the wife commencing, at her husband’s request, a well-known hymn in which he and the children joined. Literally, they sang the “Song of Degrees or Goings Up,” as in the Psalmist’s day. The Europeans in his employment were encouraged to attend services, and each one was furnished with a horse, saddle and bridle.

The Sabbath was observed with almost puritanical strictness. Much of this was due to the influence of his mother. The newspaper was not allowed to be read and the use of the needle forbidden. No food was cooked on that day, that the servant might have her Sabbath. In the afternoon, a walk over the farm was taken. On alternate Sundays when there was no service at Sidbury he held a short one in the evening in his own house, when he read a sermon from the Christian Age or by a well-known preacher. This strict observance of the Sabbath was, so long as the busy active life continued, a marked feature of the family life.

He was generous where help was required. If a new church had to be built, if a manse had to be repaired or enlarged, or if a friend needed assistance, the help was promptly and heartily given. The Lord had prospered him and he gave readily and cheerfully. Nor was the Methodist Church at Keighley forgotten in his gifts. Within its walls his spiritual life had commenced.

As his five sons grew he watched over their welfare, but not in such a way as to weaken their self-reliance. He did not give them farms, but he advanced them money with which to buy them and which money was always repaid. The eldest, Willie moved over three hills to settle at Leeuwenbosch in 1873. Gilbert settled at Thorneycroft and was assisted with the construction of the spire in the Grahamstown Cathedral. He was extremely powerful and reputed to be able to carry a keg of cement without aid. Alfred and Walter Holmes, with Ronald Turner, owned a sawmill in Port Elizabeth, while Sidney moved to the adjacent bushveld farm called “The Retreat.” Alfred joined the Standard Bank and retired to Cape Town and Walter inherited Long Lee.

The even flow of William’s life was painfully interrupted by the death of his wife Sarah (nee Green). She had a long, lingering illness, during which she was much depressed. She was unable to realise the presence and help of her Saviour, but at the last the cloud lifted in a remarkable manner.

Whilst her son-in-law was praying at her bedside (must have been Joseph Whiteside) she suddenly grasped his hand, and in a voice which suddenly became clear and strong, exclaimed: “he is come. Cannot you see him? Oh! Praise his name.” “Who has come,” was asked? “The Lord has come. He is here. Cannot you see him?” The look of sadness had vanished. The face was radiant. “He says he will come for me tonight and he will bring the baby” – the child that had died in infancy. From that moment all depression vanished. She was supremely happy. She knew that the Lord would come again to receive her to Himself. That night she entered into her rest.

It cannot be doubted that her death left his subsequent life marred and incomplete. Though he twice married again (ii married Florah Holmes; iii married R. Harvey) no one could take her place or exert her influence.

Ten years later, he suffered the sudden, tragic and painful loss of his third son Gilbert, in 1913. He most resembled his father in his super-abundant energy and his cheerful disposition, and his death was a great loss to the Salem Circuit, of which he was one of the Stewards. His father never seemed to recover from the shock of his unexpected death and it may have been one of the predisposing causes of his last illness.

Occasionally he had moods of deep mental depression when he seemed unable to realise that anything or anyone was right. Such moods did not last long, and were symptomatic of declining strength. When his last illness commenced and he was convinced that his busy life was busy drawing to its close, these moods wholly left him, and he was invariably cheerful. He had little pain, but through increasing weakness was incapable of bodily exertion.

His brain was as active as ever, and lying inert and helpless, he was always planning something for the future of his children. He had a premonition of his death similar to his wife had had years before.

On New Year’s Day 1915 he said, “I shall go away tomorrow”. “Where will you go?” was asked. “Oh, I shall go down to the river. I have found a place where the water is not deep. It will not come up to my face. I shall get through and see the country beyond.”

The morrow came, but the mind was veiled in partial unconsciousness. In that mist he crossed the river and saw the land which is afar off. Quietly as if in sleep “the spirit returned to God who gave it”. The busy strenuous life was ended. He passed away on the morning of January 2nd, 1915.

William, his eldest son, married Gertrude Howarth of Sweetkloof – a farm near the village of Sidbury, now owned by the Berrington family. They moved to Leeuwenbosch in 1873. Their first home was the building which now houses the diningroom, bar and kitchens. William Fowlds of Long Lee had bought the farm and his son repaid his father by obtaining a loan for One Thousand Five Hundred Pounds from Mr Al Rigg of Port Elizabeth. William therefore did not inherit Leeuwenbosch, but when his father died he purchased the billiard table and marker with his inheritance of Five Hundred Pounds..
William was an astute business man and an excellent farmer. He built the Big House as it was always referred to in 1908. This now is the Leeuwenbosch Country House.

William and Gertie had seven children. Four of these children died between 1895 – 1900 from childhood diseases. The four Cypress trees in front of Bill and Rose’s house were planted in their memory. A photograph of these children is in the Guest House. Of the three remaining children, Alice, the eldest spent her entire life at Leeuwenbosch. Gladys’ wedding in 1927, (married Harold Davis) was the first held at Leeuwenbosch and this photograph hangs in the Guest House.

Victor the only surviving son inherited Leeuwenbosch on the death of his father in 1939. He married Laura Meintjies from Middelburg Cape in 1931. They had four children, daughters Sylvia, Mary and Colleen. Once again all their weddings were at Leeuwenbosch. Their only son, William Henry more widely known as Bill, inherited the farm on Victor’s death in 1962. Bill married Rosemary Rippon.
Farming in the Eastern Cape throughout this period, from 1940-1970 continued unchanged. Wool prices were high, particularly after the end of the Second World War. There was a feeling of stability and peace. Growing up on this farm in a safe and caring environment remains a treasured memory for those lucky enough to be part of it. Bill and Rose had five children. Mary – Nan sadly died aged 3 years 4 months from drowning. Grant farmed with his father until 1991 before moving up to Natal. Grant and his wife, Angela restored the Guest House to its former glory. Grant remains an integral part in the planning and running of Leeuwenbosch. Roslyn and Jayne both were married on the farm. William, the youngest son has trained as a Veterinarian and is the resident vet on the property as well as running African Vet safaris with a partner. He and his wife Heidi were married at Leeuwenbosch.

In the same way as William Fowlds set off from Keighley in Yorkshire in 1860 to sail across the sea to seek new pastures, so have events in Southern Africa shaped our lives. It became apparent that the old farming methods were no longer sustainable due to falling prices, political upheavals and civil unrest so the need to address the shortcomings of past regimes, things had to change. “Adapt or die” – the British Settlers of 1820 found all too soon after their arrival that this was the only way forward. This is certainly true today and so the farming methods have been adapted by returning the land to what it was intended for – the establishment of the natural beauty of the bushveld, the stocking of game species, indigenous to the area.

Free-range ostrich farming was done on Leeuwenbosch from 1873 up until the crash in 1920. The farm was divided into two camps only and the ostriches were rounded up with horses at plucking time.
Thereafter beef and dairy farming was done by William until his death in 1939 but he and Victor started merino farming in 1926. Victor’s first job on the farm after leaving St Andrew’s College was to erect a jackal proof netting boundary fence to keep out predators.

The present Shearers Lodge was built as a shearing shed in 1930 and now recently turned into luxury accommodation in 2001. It is estimated that one million sheep were shorn in this shed from 1926 to 1996, when they were all sold to make way for game farming.

Victor continued with the farming and was well known for his maize growing. He also grew wheat and green oats in the winter months for his milk herd. He was very successful at farming and well respected by the community in which he lived and his advice and wise counsel was often sought after by all and sundry.

Bill continued with dairy and wool and chicory growing at times after Victor’s death in 1969 up until 1996 when the farm was converted into a game farm.

Grant, from the age of 7, started farming on Leeuwenbosch with Boergoats - started with a flock of 44 and ended with a flock of 1300 when he left for school and continued farming full time with Bill. His goats enabled him to finance his own school career as well as an extended trip to America to study Dairy farming methods in the States.

Leeuwenbosch enables us to restore the pride of Africa, to assist all members of our community to realise their potential by opening more doors of opportunity. Three families who have farmed side by side for generations have combined to form the Amakhala Conservancy. The Gush family of Woodbury and the Weeks Brothers, farm Reed Valley. Later at the turn of the century Will van Duyn was also an integral part of bringing his Lowveld influence to the Eastern Cape. This Conservancy is 8,000 hectares in extent and to date has Giraffe, Zebras, Black Wildebeest, Kudu, Eland and large herds of Blesbok, Impala, Springbok, Red Hartebeest and Oryx. The Big 5 are currently being introduced to make the Game experience a truly remarkable memory for Guests Mention has been made of the owners of Leeuwenbosch but each subsequent generation has been most fortunate in the choice of their wives.

Gertrude live to the age of 94 and was a great source of strength to her husband, particularly in the early days of their marriage. She was widowed for many years and she was lovingly cared for by her unmarried daughter Alice.

Laura, who married Victor, was a remarkable woman. She was admired and loved by all. Her memorial is the Chapel whose existence is due to her faith and perseverance. Rosemary, married to Bill is most gracious and loving. Her dedication and endeavour through difficult times are much admired. She makes everyone feel so welcome.
Angela, while living at Leeuwenbosch left a lasting gift in the restoration of the Guest House. Heidi, married to William have now returned together with baby Laura. With her enthusiasm and many talents, the future of Leeuwenbosch is in very good hands.

In 2010 another piece of history was made with a merger with the Bailey family who were originally a Zimbabwe Family and also settled in Port Elizabeth to commence a new career. The Lion roars brand is a new and excited modern era product with dynamic and family Leadership that will see that the history of the four centuries stays pertinent to the Game reserves uniqueness as a product in the market place.