Britstown has a fascinating connection with explorer David Livingstone through Hans Brits, who accompanied him on a journey inland. After settling on the farm Gemsbokfontein, Brits sold part of it in 1877 to establish a community, which led to the building of a church and community centre. The town council governed Britstown from March 1890 until it became a municipality in 1899. The town developed rapidly with the discovery of diamonds in Kimberley and gold in Witwatersrand. But prosperity waned a bit with the railway line between Johannesburg and Cape Town missing Britstown.
Situated at a crossroads on the N12 highway, Britstown serves as a hub for sheep farming in the region. The Smartt Syndicate Irrigation Scheme, 25 kilometres west of the town, was built in 1964. When it has rained enough, the dam supplies water to lucerne and wheat farmers.
Britstown has a fascinating connection with explorer David Livingstone through Hans Brits, who accompanied him on a journey inland. After settling on the farm Gemsbokfontein, Brits sold part of it in 1877 to establish a community, which led to the building of a church and community centre. The town council governed Britstown from March 1890 until it became a municipality in 1899. The town developed rapidly with the discovery of diamonds in Kimberley and gold in Witwatersrand. But prosperity waned a bit with the railway line between Johannesburg and Cape Town missing Britstown.
Situated at a crossroads on the N12 highway, Britstown serves as a hub for sheep farming in the region. The Smartt Syndicate Irrigation Scheme, 25 kilometres west of the town, was built in 1964. When it has rained enough, the dam supplies water to lucerne and wheat farmers.
Neighbouring Towns
Distances below are the most popular roads, sometimes dirt and sometimes tar.