Rhodes Colossus
Hertfordshire Life|March 2017

A sickly vicar’s son from Bishop’s Stortford went on to be one of the most influential and controversial figures of the Victorian age. With the 115th anniversary of Cecil Rhodes’ death this month, Stephen Roberts looks at his remarkable life

Stephen Roberts
Rhodes Colossus

IT’S A CONUNDRUM, how a sickly lad from Hertfordshire became a leading figure in South African politics, one of the world’s wealthiest men, and helped expand the British Empire by 450,000 square miles.

A controversial figure to say the least, then and now, Cecil John Rhodes was born in Bishop’s Stortford in 1853, fifth son of the vicar of St Michael’s, and one of nine children. Unlike his brothers, who were sent to public school, Cecil was educated at the town’s grammar school in the High Street most likely because of his asthma. Home life was comfortable with 10 servants.

Today’s Bishop’s Stortford Museum is housed in Cecil’s birthplace Netteswell House, a three-storey late-18th-century semi, in South Road. The room he was born in is adorned with a tablet on the outside wall, stating: ‘The Right Hon’ble Cecil John Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia, was born in the room within July 5th 1853’. After Cecil’s birth, the family moved next door to Thorley Bourne.

Growing up, Cecil wandered around Bishop’s Stortford, usually alone, or sat musing in the family garden. He also attended regular services at his father’s church, where a bronze tablet today summarises his life. It was aged 16 that events shook Cecil from his wistful, quiet existence. Rather than going to college he was sent to Natal, the coastal South Africa British colony, in a bid to help his asthma. Joining his brother Herbert in Natal, he helped him run a cotton plantation. His sojourn in warmer climes soon proved beneficial for other reasons than asthma, however, as he and Herbert developed an interest in the diamond market – far more lucrative than cotton.

This story is from the March 2017 edition of Hertfordshire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March 2017 edition of Hertfordshire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HERTFORDSHIRE LIFEView All
Hertfordshire Life

Explosive history

With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Hertfordshire Life

A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer

Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2020
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Hertfordshire Life

Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES

Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
The greatest traveller
Hertfordshire Life

The greatest traveller

Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Hertfordshire Life

Return of the Queen of Romance

Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
In bed with CELEBS
Hertfordshire Life

In bed with CELEBS

Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Roam with a view
Hertfordshire Life

Roam with a view

We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
Hertfordshire Life

Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle

The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
Hertfordshire Life

A walk down Surreal Street

Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
5 minutes with
Hertfordshire Life

5 minutes with

Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2020