Early Settler House - Canterbury House- (NMC/Grade 2) C.1837.
This house was restored around 1965 and sold on to a Mr Ofsowitz who in
1973 controversially removed the four gabled settler roof and put a Mansard
Roof to incorporate a jacuzzi in the attic space. However, the house was well
maintained until the current owner, Mr Kenneth J Denton bought the house around
2000.
On the 1st March 2005, there was a fire that destroyed the 1970's top
floor, but the ground and first floor was saved (see photos from 2012). It is
claimed that vagrants who had moved into the derelict house and started the
fire. Incidentally DA Councillor Terry Herbst had earlier reported that the
door had been broken down (just three weeks before the fire), confirming that
vagrants had been allowed to take over, despite complaints to Denton
Properties. Denton and other residents stood and watched as the house burnt.
When questioned, Denton said "The place has been kept empty in order for
renovations to be done to it" Denton also promised the Mandela Bay
Development Agency a few days later that he would repair and properly restore
the building. (Herald 2 March 2005). It is ironic that 'Special assignment'
happened to be in the area broadcasting a feature on the decline of Central.
2003-2005 saw three of Denton's properties suffer fires. To date this number is
more than double that.
While the fire was limited to the top (attic) floor and the yellowwood
floorboards and detailing still in situ, they have been allowed to decay.
Canterbury house has been vacant and open to the elements for more than 8 years
(2013) and the owner has made no effort to repair the buildings. It appears,
however that work is to about to commence, as it has in the immediate vicinity,
but as yet no work being done in this area has been sanctioned by any Heritage
authorities, hence it is illegal. There is a well documented history of
non-compliance with regard the owner, who refuses to work with PHRA.
This is a Grade 2 listed structure, and while greatly compromised in
terms of decayed fabric, should be reinstated inside and out, with due record
taken of fabric still in situ and replacing this sparingly with materials to
the specifications of the original. Unfortunately, irreparable damage to and
loss of fabric has taken place on Mr Denton's other illegal projects and the
fear is that layers of history will also be discarded, as has sadly taken place
with regard to the Donkin Street Houses, where tons of bricks have been
removed.
Canterbury House, 35 Constitution Hill
"From the records of Messrs. Smith Sons and Dewar, Surveyors. E.
Province Building Society, Port Elizabeth.
A title deed reading "Surveyed by the undersigned Government Land
Surveyor, Uitenhage, the 29th May, 1837.
I hereby certify that this diagram belongs to the
transfef (?) Richard Tee. January 26, 1841.
Transferred to John Flanagan 14-8-73
To Mary Flanagan 1886"
Richard Tee, aged 34 in 1820, was a settler in Damant's party,
travelling on the ship "Ocean", and accompanied by his wife, Mary,
three daughters, and one son. A Timothy Flanagan, 38 in 1820, came out in
Bailie's party on the "Chapman". He and his wife Mary had three sons
and a daughter. The Timothy of 1873 was probably a descendant.
In a map dated 1849 [Essenhigh map], now in possession of the P.E.
Public Library [Africana Collection], a building is shown on the site, but the
terrace of houses in Donkin Street, now proclaimed a historical monument, had
not yet been built.
The house is built of stone and plastered extensions at the back, built
of brick and some stonework, are probably rather later in date. The internal
woodwork is of very primitive construction, with very low doorways, and exposed
joists in the yellowwood floors. [very similar to those of No. 7 Castle Hill
Museum]. The balcony in front appears to be of a later date and may have been
added by Flanagan in 1873.
Professor R.B. Lewcock, author of "Early Nineteenth Century
Architecture in South Africa" recommends that the house should be
preserved and says that if the present roof were replaced with tile or slates
its appearance would be substantially the same as the original. He adds, "I
consider that it would be a serious loss to Port Elizabeth were this building
to be altered or demolished"
Mr. Alec Kiddie bought and restored the house about five years ago, and
about a year ago sold it to Mr. Donald Prosser who inherits 1820 settler blood
of several streams - (Rowles, Preston, Mortimer, Calverley and Larter). He is
most anxious that the house be preserved, and if so, would probably remove the
balcony and slate of the roof."
(Looking Back, Vol. 10 1970 - publication by the Historical Society of
Port Elizabeth)
The property immediately to the left of Canterbury House (No. 35) is
'Little Canterbury' (No. 37), these both date from the same period (c. 1837)
****
The long saga of our 'trashed' heritage has involved many concerned
citizens following every possible avenue over the years to hold Denton
accountable for his lack of maintenance dating back to the early 2000's. The
Metro and its arms have been under pressure for years to pursue this issue and
to force this owner to repair and restore his prominent heritage properties.
Sadly, the Eastern Cape Provincial Heritage Resources Agency (ECPHRA)
has largely been ineffectual and non-functional, and support from SAHRA is not
forthcoming. ECPHRA has yet to issue a single Compulsory Repair Order to any
property owner in Port Elizabeth. A report commissioned in 2007 on the urban
decay of central, clearly outlined courses of action the Metro could take
against errant property owners. Interestingly, this survey, commissioned at
taxpayers' expense, was shelved and this was only released after much public
pressure. To date nothing has been done, except the customary lipservice paid
by the current administration.
As time passes, it seems that the heritage authorities, the Metro and
its agencies are becoming less and less effective and there is a total lack of
will to preserve 'colonial buildings'. Very short sighted indeed when one
considers the huge untapped tourism potential of PE. Corruption and complete
collapse of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has reached saturation point
and it seems that this influential property owner is untouchable. Now that
decay has been allowed to set in, more damage is being inflicted in terms of
illegal and highly invasive work on heritage sites that cannot be called
restoration by any stretch of the imagination. Lack of enforcement continues
and we are losing our treasures fast and we feel powerless to stop it.
Those with the powers to act, have failed the citizens of Port Elizabeth
dismally, especially Port Elizabeth's 'tourism nest-egg', as stated by Helen
Zille so succinctly after visiting Central in 2010.
A collection of Herald articles relating to built heritage issues
spanning 2002 to 2009 speaks for itself (dropbox - 32MB in size):
Picture and article source: These pictures and articles are from the Heritageportal which deals with the history of old buildings in South Africa. Credit to photographer and writer of publication.
