#basutoland

[57amp3r]

Basutoland /Lesotho, 1938

[haus-of-commons]

Basutoland (1986), mixed media installation

Vernon Fisher (1943–2023)

[hippography]

CO 1069-209-69

Description: A Mosotho Horseman. Les Ramsden.

Location: Basutoland

Our Catalogue Reference: Part of CO 1069/209

This image is part of the Colonial Office photographic collection held at The National Archives, uploaded as part of the Africa Through a Lens project. Feel free to share it within the spirit of the Commons.

[57amp3r]

Mohair shearing, Basutoland /Lesotho, 1961

[silentambassadors]

As you are no doubt aware, the Kingdom of Lesotho is surrounded entirely by the Republic of South Africa.  While it was an independent kingdom for much of its history, in the late 1860s King Moshoeshoe appealed to Queen Victoria to make Basutoland a British colony when it became apparent the Boers were set to annex the entirety of Basutoland (and this was after the Basotho had rather embarrassingly defeated the British earlier in the 1850s).  Basutoland remained a Crown Colony until independence in 1966, when the monarchy was restored and [self-styled] King Moshoeshoe II took over.  His son, King Letsie III, is the current king of Lesotho (pronounced, it should be noted, La-soo-too).

Stamp details: Stamp on top: Issued on: December 1, 1933 From: Maseru, Basutoland MC #1

Second row left: Issued on: January 24, 1966 From: Maseru, Basutoland MC #102

Second row right: Issued on: October 4, 1966 From: Maseru, Kingdom of Lesotho MC #1

Stamp on bottom: Issued on: October 4, 2016 From: Maseru, Kingdom of Lesotho MC #2031

Recognized as a sovereign state by the UN: Yes (since October 17, 1966) Official name: Kingdom of Lesotho; 'Muso oa Lesotho Member of the Universal Postal Union: Yes (since September 6, 1967)

[transcribinghistory]

Basutoland

The Basuto news is not important. The rebels are in force at all points. The condition of our alarms are frequent. Rain is falling daily, and fuel is scarce.

(The Times, April 12, 1881)

--

If it’s not important, why report on it?

[limkokwing]

Know The Kingdom of Lesotho

The Kingdom of Lesotho is situated on a highland plateau entirely within South Africa. Formerly known as Basutoland, the Kingdom attained its full independence from the United Kingdom in 1966. It stands as one of the three remaining monarchies in Africa.

Lesotho is also known as the ‘Kingdom in the Sky’ as the entire country lies 1000m above sea level. It includes ‘Thabana-Ntlenyana’, the highest peak in Africa south of Kilimanjaro.

Water and diamonds are Lesotho’s significant natural resources. Water is being extracted through the 30-year, multibillion-dollar Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), which was initiated in 1986.