Old Tollhouse, Montagu Pass,

About the Montagu Pass

Dating back to 1848, the  Montagu Pass was a visionary response to the perilous travel conditions over the Outeniqua Mountains. Initiated by Major Mitchell and crafted by the hands of 250 convicts, the pass became a lifeline, making the journey more accessible. The engineer at the helm, Henry Fancourt White, lent his expertise to create a path that would forever alter the landscape of travel in the Cape Colony.

About the Old Toll House

Constructed simultaneously with the Montagu Pass, the Old Toll House stands proudly as a testament to the ingenuity of its builders. Fashioned from indigenous sandstone, with its original thatched roof, this toll house was more than a mere collection point; it was the heart of the pass, safeguarding its integrity. Once presided over by the first toll keeper, John Kirk Smith, born in Nottingham, England, in 1818, it weathered wars, wildfires, and the challenges of time.

The Toll House reveals architectural ingenuity with its coffin-shaped design and strategic visibility for the toll keeper. Visitors can immerse themselves in the echoes of the past, imagining the toll keeper managing fees from travelers. Preserved by the dedicated efforts of the Friends of the Toll House, this iconic structure remains a testament to South Africa’s travel heritage, offering a brief yet immersive journey into a bygone era.

Interesting Facts

• Toll Structure: Travelers passing through the Montagu Pass were required to pay a toll – 2 pence per wheel and additional fees for animals. The toll house collected these nominal fees, contributing to the maintenance of the pass.
• Architectural Marvel: The toll house, shaped like a coffin, boasted angled side walls and an entrance wall strategically designed to afford the toll keeper a clear view of oncoming traffic.
• Legacy of Names: Henry Fancourt White’s name lives on not just in the pass but also in the estate Fancourt and the village Blanco, a poetic transformation from White’s Village. John Montagu, Colonial Secretary in 1843, lends his name to the pass, a nod to his instrumental role in advancing road systems.
• Preservation: Over the years, the toll house faced the ravages of weathering and vandalism. However, efforts by the Friends of the Toll House, has ensured that it remains a beacon of heritage which provides a wonderful visitor experience one would not forget.