Victorian Program
Only R15.00 per learner
2½ - 3 hours
Slide show William Morris Room
A short history and introduction to Melrose House and the Heys family.
Guided tour through the house
Learn about Victorian inventions and technology, eclectic architecture and the Anglo Boer War.
Muffin mixing in the kitchen
Prepare muffins in the historic kitchen and discuss the interesting social customs of the time, kitchen facts and utensils, Victorian servant practises and the impact of the Industrial Revolution.
Butter churning in the scullery
Churn cream into butter and learn about cooler rooms and refrigeration (before electricity); the drying and uses of herbs
Picnic at the Stable complex
Have a break! Enjoy a muffin and fresh churned butter with strawberry jam & homemade lemonade / ginger beer.
Victorian demonstration
Learn how to make luxurious soap with olive oil and scented ingredients, and receive easy step-by-step instructions to take home.
Home made keepsake
Take home a potpourri sachet, made from herbs and rose leaves from our garden, or a piece of soap to remember Melrose House by.
Activity sheet
Learn about Victorian times the fun way in your own time, in the bus or at school, and visit again!
Visit the Victorian House (1886):
A centenary passed in 2002.
- The house operated as the British Headquarters
- Boer delegates stayed in Parkzicht, a house that once stood next to Melrose House.
- War strategies were planned from the Large Exhibition room
- Lord Kitchener furnished the Small Exhibition room as his bedroom
- The Morning room functioned as the office of Lord Kitchener
- Queen Victoria was informed from Melrose House of the War's progress
- The Peace Treaty of Vereeniging was signed in the Dining room
- The signed treaty ended the bloodiest War of South African history
- After the war Gens Smuts and Botha were invited to parties given by the Heys family
- A photo history of the War and War cartoons are displayed in the Conservatory
Special Anglo Boer War Tour
R15.00 per learner
- Slide or Video show
- Special guided tour through the House
- Coffee and rusks
- Bus departs for visit: Fort Klapperkop (optional at R5 extra - own transport)
Bus-bay: Jacob Mare Street
Free parking: Scheiding Street
Duration: 2½ - 3 hours
Tuesdays - Fridays from 09:00
Bookings essential:
012 322 0420 / 012 322 2805
Museum hours: Tuesdays to Sundays 10:00 - 17:00
General entrance fee: R 9,00 per person / R 6.00 per learner
Other guided tours: R 80 per hour (1 – 20 persons). (1 - 20 visitors)