This database primarily contains records of slave registrations that were made mandatory by the British from 1816 onwards. Established in 1818 on the farm Hooivlakte in the arid Central Karoo area, the town was originally called Beaufort by Lord Charles Somerset who named it for his father. The name was later changed to Beaufort West to distinguish it from other towns with the same moniker. Flat, panoramic plains and blue mountains cover the harsh environment like a gigantic fossil. The area was a haven for runaway slaves, social outcasts, and for smugglers of weapons, ammunition and alcohol. Big game hunters and explorers used the district as a thoroughfare between the interior and the sea ports.Slavery was abolished by the British at the Cape on 01 December 1834 but slaves had to serve a four year "apprenticeship".  On 01 December 1838 all forms of forced labour was ended and slavery officially came to an end. Where no exact birthdate is given, the stated year of birth is an approximation by the slave owner.

Slave records - South African National Archives

Archive copying by Lara Seaward