Battle of Berea
Berea plateau, Lesotho
What happened
British forces under Sir George Cathcart fought the Basotho of King Moshoeshoe I. The British crossed the Caledon River to seize Basotho cattle as punishment for raids. Strong Basotho resistance and poor British planning meant few cattle were taken, and the British withdrew. That same night, Moshoeshoe wrote a letter asking for peace and ordered his men to stop fighting.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Friendly relations later helped protect the Basotho nation.
What came next
Cathcart accepted the truce, and the Basotho paid a small number of cattle and agreed to stop raiding. In 1868 Basutoland came under British protection, the origin of today's Lesotho.
Did you know?
Shweshwe, a popular South African printed cotton, is said to be named after Moshoeshoe, who received it as a gift and made it popular.
Timeline
- c. 1786Moshoeshoe I is born.
- 1843A treaty recognises the Basotho as British allies.
- 20 December 1852The Battle of Berea.
- 12 March 1868Basutoland comes under British protection.
- 11 March 1870Moshoeshoe dies; the date is now Moshoeshoe Day.