Bishop Gray Monument Cape Town, Western Cape Architect: William BUTTERFIELD

Memorial viewed from the north. The roof of the St George’s Cathedral is visible behind it Photographer: Lila Komnick – 2018

Date: 1876 Type: Monument Status: Extant Street: St George’s Mall

Coordinates: 33°55'27.32" S 18°25'10.24" E Alt: 35m

Notes: A memorial column in red granite, white marble and sandstone to the memory of Bishop Robert Gray (1809 – 1872), the first Anglican Bishop of Cape Town. He was married to the architect Sophy GRAY. The monument originally stood directly in front of St George's Church. It was moved to the western side of the church with the widening of Wale St. When St George's St became a pedestrian zone, it was moved to its current position. The inscription on the plaque reads: Erected by Public Subscription in Memory of ROBERT GRAY D.D. First Bishop of Capetown and Metropolitan Consecrated St Peter’s Day A.D. 1847 Deceased Sept. 1 A.D. 1872

References:

Close-up of the memorial showing the plaque Photographer: Lila Komnick – 2018 Details of the plaque commemorating Bishop Gray Photographer: Lila Komnick – 2018 Memorial viewed from the south, looking down St George’s Mall Photographer: Lila Komnick – 2020 Oblique view of the memorial from the south west Photographer: Lila Komnick – 2020 Stone marker on the pavement in front of St George’s Cathedral, indicating the memorial’s original position Photographer: Lila Komnick - 2023

The funeral procession of CJ Rhodes at St George’s Cathedral, 1902. The memorial is on the left. Source: “Pictorial History of South Africa“, 1938, p382 Scanned and submitted by Lila Komnick Photographer: Arthur Elliott - 1902