Through the lens…

The historical Plettenberg Bay Timber Store and other local history through the lens of its builder’s direct descendant.
Werner Jerling, a direct 9th generation descendant of Jan Jacob Jerling, one of the first residents of what was to become Plettenberg Bay will be sharing unique Plettenberg bay history with us through the Jerling family lens.

The VOC commissioned Jan Jacob to construct the timber store at this remote Buitepost in the late 1700’s.The Jerling family have lived here ever since. They have an indelible link to the area with its history woven into the fabric of the family.
The journey starts with their departure from Tegel in Holland, through the Cape and ends up in beautiful Plettenberg Bay next to the Keurbooms River.

The birth and construction of the Timber store, was the first in a legacy of Jerling contractors – building woes and achievements in the 1790’s… sound familiar?

With the story of the old Timber Store as it’s pivotal point, Werner will be sharing his unique historical perspective.

Their history continues through the generations with stories of shipwrecks, forest living and woodcutting.Descendants are scattered all over the world but always return to the family ancestral home.We will hear how in more recent times, the family experienced beautiful Robberg – with fishing stories and the exciting discovery of the survivors camp of the 1630 São Gonçalo shipwreck .

Werner is a Civil Engineer and like his ancestor, plies his trade in the construction world with many large and illustrious construction projects to his credit.

With a keen appreciation for the natural world we live in, he enjoys sharing his deep- rooted love of history and the building of our beautiful country.