In 1848 Hounslow was the first stop from Grahamstown after a hard days travel, today it would be a mere 20 minute drive. After almost a century and a half the Dell family has become an important part of the Hounslow history. John, Marion and their children Robert, Louise and Aimee open their home and hope to share their heritage with you. It is ironic that it started off as “The Belle Inn” and has survived wars to once again become a lodge, the Hounslow Country Lodge.

The story goes . . . that in 1845 Niemands kraal, belonging to Nicolaas Niemand became the property of William Potter, who was born in 1788 at Hounslow, in Middlesex (Britain).

He renamed his farm Hounslow. He was a carpenter by trade and came out as a member of David Mills’ Party on the Sir George Osborne in 1820. He was accompanied by his wife Hannah, then aged 27, and their two daughters, Mary aged 10 and Ann who was 6.

Mary married John Hyde in 1828 when she was 18, while Hyde was 43 and in fact older than her father. Hyde is recorded as a mason, being a member of Pigot’s Party from Berkshire.

Mary consequently gave birth to their son William, in 1829, and this child was raised by his grandparents, William and Hannah Potter. The young William married Sarah King in 1845 and continued to live on Hounslow. The homestead became “The Belle Inn” with William Hyde as the licensee although it remained owned by William Potter. The Inn was so named by Mr Potter because it is 10 miles (16km) from Grahamstown as is the former Inn from London.

Thomas Baines, the war artist, stayed here in 1848 and on two later occasions. He painted a picture of the home in payment for his lodging. As far as we know this painting belongs to the Currie family from Pretoria. According to a letter written to Dr Currie “the size of the actual canvas is about 23 inches by 33 inches and is enclosed by the original old yellowood frame. The painting is in excellent condition, and is signed and dated (1848) on the back of the canvas by Thomas Baines.” We have used this painting of the original “Belle Inn” as inspiration for our logo.

During the war (1846 - 1847), a military post of 60 Fingo Levies was established at Hounslow commanded by William Hyde. The homestead also endured heavy attack during the 1850 - 1853 war, but survived.