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Simon's Town is steeped in Naval history and the British influence is immediately felt and seen in the architecture. There are a number of excellent museums reflecting the naval and cultural heritage of the town.
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The Simon's Town Historical Society: For further info telephone Simon's Town Museum or the Hon. Sec. 021 786 1782. Simon's Town Museum: In the Residency (c1777), Court Road reflects events in the development of Simon's Town through the centuries. Tel 021 786 2391. South African Naval Museum: In the Mast House (1815) alongside the Simon's Town Museum, displays models of ships and related maritime events. Tel 021 787 4635. The Heritage Museum: In Amlay House, down King George Street, features aspects of the Moslem Community. Tel 021 021 786 2302. Warrior Toy Museum: On St George's Street - a must! Antique collection of toy cars, trains, dolls, dollhouses and lead soldiers Tel 021 786 1395
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Jubilee Square: Named in honour of King George V, the Square was originally known as Market Square, as it formed a market for farmers to sell their produce. The square is watched over by twin cannons and a bronze statue of Able Seaman Just Nuisance, who hungrily eyes patrons of the well-designed Quarterdeck Restaurant. The only dog to ever receive the naval ranking of Able Seaman, this Great Dane was loved by all and was once referred to by a newspaper columnist as a “womanising drunk”. Renowned for his fondness of sailors, one could often find Nuisance escorting men home after a night on the town, pulling them by the sleeve and guiding them back to their barracks. Railway officials often had great difficulty getting him off the train, as he enjoyed commuting between Simon’s Town and Cape Town on a regular basis.This sea dog - a Great Dane - became famous in World War II for "escorting" Royal Navy personnel back to barracks after a night on the town and did much to boost their morale. On his death in April of 1944, he was buried with full military honours. His name still lives on in the town wherever one looks
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The Royal Naval established a base in Simon's Town soon after the second British occupation in 1806. During the 19th century the Simon's Town Naval Base was responsible for the care of Napoleon Bonaparte, exiled to St Helena Island, until his death in 1821. The Royal Navy was actively involved in combating the slave trade from African ports. The Royal Navy's influence is faithfully recorded at the Simon's Town Museum, which was originally built in 1777 as a winter residence for the governor of the Dutch East India Company at the Cape. In 1957 it became a South African naval base.
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