The History of Brackenfell

The name BRACKENFELL is of Scottish origin. Bracken – a hardy fern …. and Fell – a stoney hill. In the very early days this area was a well known crossing of the roads. From North to South and East to West roads crossed each other in close proximity at the foot of the hill which has always been a grand landmark. There were several natural springs and three popular outspans, Wildflowers and shrubs of almost every description and various types of reeds grew luxuriously. The bracken predominating. The first farm allocated to anyone in this particular area was situated at the foot of the hill and called “Kruispad”. The date 15th March, 1712.

During the time of the East India Company a canon was placed on the hill and fired off to alert farmers in the area when ships arrived in Table Bay. Farmers would then take their produce to the ships. Soon the hill was known as “Kanonkop”. The name it still bears today. Between the years 1712 & 1888 the farm “Kruispad” changed hands from time to time. On the 26th October 1888 – Andries Brink bought “Kruis pad” on a sale for R2,OOO. It then comprised Kanonkop, Stellenberg, Hammans vlakte, Joostenbergvlakte and the present Kraaifontein. Andries Brink immediately sold that part which is now Kraaifontein to one Michael J. King for R500. Andries Brink then moved into the old “Homestead”. The old building is still on the property of Messrs Everite Ltd, and maintained by them.