Description

"Small barrel-vaulted building with two storeys inside. Moulded cornice and pilasters beneath vault, and VOC monogram on one end. Pedimented bell-tower on north side. Surrounded by high capped wall with capped posts and arched gateway with vases.Behind the building is a heap of cannon raised on timber blocks. The historic market square has been all but destroyed by the incursions of traffic and parking. The Arsenal now stands on a grassed traffic island, recently even further eroded to provide more parking behind the building." 

History

"The need for an arsenal for the storage of ammunition was urged by the Stellenbosch Burgerkrygsraad as early as 1686, but the tender was not awarded until 1776. Philip Hartog and Lambert Fick won the tender but the builder was actually Michael Rambusch, a German mason in the service of the Company. The building was completed in only 182 days and handed over on 5 May 1777. The bell-tower was built at some time after 1779. It was used as a magazine for centuries. The space between the building and the wall on the south side was roofed over and housed the Stellenbosch fire brigade. By the end of the 19th C the Arsenal was in use as a market building serving the adjacent market square. After its declaration as a national monument it was restored by the Town Council and now houses a small collection of historic fire-arms. (Oberholster and Fransen & Cook)" 

Alterations

See History. 

Social History

Significance in terms of NHRA