Lady Grey is a rural village situated along the R58 Provincial Route in the North of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, near the border with Lesotho.
The village lies in a valley at the foothills of the majestic Witteberg mountains, 53 km east of Maletswai (formerly known as Aliwal North) on the R58 Highway and 260 km south-east of Bloemfontein, the capital of the Free State Province.
Lady Grey falls within the Senqu Local Municipality, which is part of the Joe Gqabi District Municipality. Lady Grey is the administrative centre/seat of the Senqu Local Municipality.
Surrounded by soaring mountains, crisp, clean air, and gentle streams, several charming country cottages provide a cosy retreat for the weary traveller. Old buildings have been restored to attract tourists and relocators.
Lady Grey attracts nature lovers, bird watchers, hikers, stargazers, and fly fishing enthusiasts. Wild trout and yellowfish are found in abundance in the streams and rivers in the area.
Visitors wishing to fish in Lady Grey are advised to obtain a permit from the local fly fishing association, especially for fishing on private property, through which most of the streams flow.
History
Lady Grey was established on the farm Waaihoek, purchased by the Dutch Reformed Church of Aliwal North (officially renamed Maletswai) on 30 April 1857, for the purpose of founding a new congregation.
The village was named in honour of Eliza Lucy Grey (née Spencer), daughter of Sir Richard Spencer, and wife of Sir George Grey, the Cape governor. The first municipality of Lady Grey was proclaimed in 1893.
