Swellendam is the third oldest town in South Africa (after Cape Town and Stellenbosch) and named in honour of Governor Hendrik Swellengrebel and his wife Helena, nče Ten Damme.
The Drostdy in Swellendam was built in 1747 as the official residence and seat of the magistrate. This charming building has great architectural value, and is a leading historical museum. It is renowned for its fine collection of late 18th and early 19th century Cape furniture.
The Drostdy Museum Complex includes the Ambagswerf, Mayville House, an old jail, a water mill, a 19th century rose garden and displays of 18th century furniture.
The Drostdy itself reflects the official history of the district from a Dutch East India Company outpost to a prosperous town under British Colonial rule.
The Old Jail and Ambagswerf (Trades yard), Mayville with its beautiful rose garden, the Secretary's House and Zanddrift which is now a popular restaurant, reflect the history of Swellendam - the third oldest town in South Africa (after Cape Town and Stellenbosch) and named in honour of Governor Hendrik Swellengrebel.
