Fort Mitchell - An Attraction in Hogsback
Fort Michell in Hogsback, now named Fort Mitchell, was built to guard against the local Xhosa tribes in the area. The Xhosa strongholds were located in the area of Tyunie River and Gaika’s Kop. British troops were stationed at Fort Michell, and the man in charge of the troops of the Warwickshire regiment was Colonel Michell. Appropriately, Fort Michell was named after him. The first road from Tor Doone to Fort Hare and the outline of the fort, are still visible today. To the Xhosa tribes, this area was known as Qabimbola. Qabimbola means "red clay on face".
Trying to pinpoint exactly how Hogsback got its name, is a subject of debate. Some say is was named after a commander at Fort Michell, Captain Hogg, and others say it is because the three peaks overlooking the village, that when looked at from a certain angle, resemble a hogs back. No matter how Hogsback got named, it remains a place of beauty, tranquility and mystery. It is all these features that probably inspired Tolkien’s son, to send his father vivid descriptions and sketches of the forests and surrounding areas, while stationed in the region.
A small settlement started to grow, once the conflicts moved north, and the first residence were Odendaal, Booysens and Summerton families. Thomas Summerton named his farm Cherrie Orchard, building a furrow to carry water to him from a stream in Tor Doone. As a gardener from Oxford, he left a legacy of apple orchards, berries and fruits, hazelnut lined avenues, European bushes, flowers and trees, which are still seen across the country to day.
A tiny hotel, named the Hogsbay Hydro, was built in the 1880’s by a Mr Collins. Later this hotel was renamed the Hogsback Inn. 1932 saw the opening of the Hogsback Pass, and in 1946 a camp was erected for less fortunate children who could not afford holidays. Hobbiton–on–Hogsback has grown, through private donations and organizations, into an outdoor educational centre.
As the little village underwent all its changes, so increased the number of holiday homes. Rules were enforced to the size plots and structures. But the main attraction remains the great forest with its magical atmosphere; and who knows, you might come across a hobbit or two.