The Old Presidency, or Residency as it is also known, is one of the historic buildings in Bloemfontein. It was designed by Lennox Canning & Goad, a Johannesburg firm of architects who won the competition to design the building, and built in 1885-86 on the site of Major Henry D Warden’s original house. (The same firm designed the Raadsaal.)
The Presidency was home to three Presidents of the Republic of the Orange Free State: President Brand 1861-88), President Reitz (1888-95), and President Steyn (1895-1900); Lord Roberts lived in the house when the British occupied Bloemfontein in 1900; and then from 1901-1910 it was the Residence of the Governor of the Orange River Colony.
The building is furnished somewhat sparsely, but appropriately for the late Victorian period.
The Visitor Information Centre for Bloemfontein is in the Stables of the Old Presidency – an unprepossessing entrance – but persevere!
You may be interested in
The Old Presidency – a haunted building?
The Old Presidency – interior photographs
Paula Griffiths
I lived there for almost 13 years. Thank you for showing me things I never visited!!
Candy Blackham
Thank you for visiting! I hope you also enjoy some of my explorations in London and Europe!
Anne Guy
Great entrance flooring and wonderful glasswork