300-year-old tombstone discovered in Waterfall
A local resident stumbled upon a tombstone that is more than 300 years old.
FOR almost 20 years a piece of sla stone-like paving acted as a stepping stone to a local complex’s post boxes, but less than two months ago it was discovered that the paving was actually a tombstone.
The tombstone is branded with what is believed to be an English name and surname, Elizabeth Fowke. The tombstone reveals that the little girl was born in December 1678 and died in September 1679.
It was discovered when Anne Lok, who maintains the gardens at the Forest Glen complex in Waterfall, decided to plant more plants in front of the complex’s post boxes and to put in new pavers.
“It had always been used as a stepping stone to the post boxes. But when I asked the gardener to lift it so we could replace it, he leaned it against a wall, that exposed the bottom part of the stone, revealing that it was actually a tombstone,” she said.
It was found about two months ago, but its origin remains a mystery, as sister town, Hillcrest, was only founded in 1895.
To put the stone’s age into perspective, Jan van Riebeeck only reached Table Bay on 6 April 1652.
Do you have any information about the history of Waterfall or the Fowke surname? Email rianettej@dbn.caxton.co.za
