Real Lions

The masculine memorial to Cecil John Rhodes stands on the slopes of Devil?s Peak. Built in 1912 on the very place where Rhodes used to sit and contemplate his future, it was a short ride on horseback from his town home ? Groote Schuur.

The Rhodes Memorial was financed by public subscription raised from the estimated 30 000 citizens of Cape Town in deference for all that Rhodes had accomplished, and the very considerable contribution he had made to the development and increasing prosperity of Southern Africa during his dynamic 32 years in this Country. Built with granite dressed from the rock bases upon which the Quartzite strata of the mountain rest, the monument was designed by Sir Francis Macey and Sir Herbert Baker who, deprived of Rhodes? ?compulsion to direct?, were able to give full reign to their imagination and skills.

Incorporating Doric columns, the classical architecture so revered by CJR, the eight lions were cast ?in situ? by J.W Swan, modeled upon those protecting Nelson column in Trafalgar Square, London, and are a Tribute to Rhodes? wish to have real lions roaming his ?African Wildlife Garden? for all the citizens to enjoy.