When the first Settlers arrived in Algoa Bay they found an array of hills, streams, rivers and kloofs, making habitation of the area a problem. Donkin Street as it stands today was originally a "kloof" (steep valley) with a stream. The water it carried was channelled into the then Main Street. This kloof was eventually filled using convict labour and Donkin Street was established in 1851. The row of 18 terraced houses was built in the 1850's. Over the last few years the houses have deteriorated quite badly under their current owner so it was good to see that renovations started on them recently. It does seem that some changes are being made to some of the original features during the renovations, but I'm just glad to see them being fixed up. |