The Anglo Boer South African War began on 11 October 1899, and within four days Kimberley was besieged by Boer soldiers.The unforgiving circle of Boers trapped the citizens of the town, including diamond magnate Cecil John Rhodes, who had taken up residence in the Sanatorium (now the McGregor Museum).
The siege was to last 124 days, over the hottest period of the year, and placed a great burden of boredom, ever-diminishing food and water, and danger from bombardment upon the towns-people. In the last weeks of the siege, food was rationed, and sickness was taking its toll.