Fleming House History

Little bit of history

 

This week I got historical information about my building. Not only was it a learning experience to find out the history about my building but to discover and learn more about Port Elizabeth's history. What I wouldn't give to have lived 150 year ago for just one day to walk in the dirt roads of Port Elizabeth and go in to all those buildings...

 

We live in such a beautiful city with so much history and potential.

 

 

 

"City Hall with The Fleming building behind on the left"

 

The Building I chose for my Final year proposal is one of the oldest buildings in Port Elizabeth built in the 1800's.

 

The now know Fleming House was once known as The Custom House. Owned by William Fleming and designed by Alfred Warren the first Custom House was completed in June 1866.

 

After a new Customs House was built in (1889-1891)just down the street, that was once Jetty street and now Fleming street, the fist Customs house was used for commercial purposes.

 

  Whilst the building is three storeys at this stage it was originally only two-storeys when it was first built in 1866.

 The third storey was only added on in 1922 by Jones & McWilliams. The Coat-of-arms which you can see in the photo below was removed when the third storey was added and placed on the second Customs House down the street.

 

 

"The once Known Customs House 1866

now

the Fleming House"

 

 

"The Second Customs House
now only a piece of open land"