Worcester

�Capital of the Breede River Valley�

The town of Worcester lies on the main route from Cape Town to Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth. Worcester was established in 1820 by Lord Charles Somerset, governor of the Cape Colony at the time, and named for his elder brother, the Marquis of Worcester. Today Worcester, with it’s well developed infrastructure, is the main commercial centre of the entire Breede River Valley and surrounding towns. The Breede River Valley, surrounded by high mountains and green valleys, is the largest grape producing region in the country, with 17 co-operative wine cellars and several brandy distillers in the Worcester district alone. The town is also known for producing a variety of dried fruit. One of the highlights of a visit to the town is the amazing architectural diversity of it’s buildings, with styles ranging from Cape Dutch through Georgian to Victorian and art deco to neo classical. The town has more gabled buildings than any other town in the Boland region. Worcester is well known for it’s schools for the blind and deaf. Several museums provide visitors with a glimpse into the town’s colourful past and are definitely worth visiting.

HISTORICAL VIEW

The Drostdy

The oldest building in town and a National Monument. A fine example of Cape Dutch architecture.

Historic Church Street

One of the best preserved historical street complexes in the country.

The Worcester Museum Complex

Encompasses the following: Afrikaner Museum built by Cornelius Beck in 1854 which houses the Worcester Publicity Association.

Beck House

Built in 1841, a Victorian house museum which gives an overview of the lifestyle of the people of the town in the 19th century. It has on display a collection of yellowwood and stinkwood furniture, reputed to be amongst the best in the country.

Stofberg House

Dates back to 1920 and gives insight into professional life in the early days of the town.