In 1782, six sailors, survivors from the Wreck of the Grosvenor on the Pondoland coast, found sanctuary on a farm named Paapenkuilsfontein, now known as Cradock place,after walking nearly 500km in four months.
On the outskirts of Uitenhage is the once attractive farmhouse, Cuyler Manor, built by Landdrost Jacob Glen Cuyler in 1814.
To raise funds to help the survivors, much of the salvaged wreckage, including a cannon, was put up for sale by public auction. Cuyler bought the cannon and it found its way to the observation post on the hill behind the Drostdy in Uitenhage.
This position was used from 1799 to 1810, when conflict between settlers and indigenous people was high and later acquired the name Cannon Hill.
A monument commemorating the coronation of King George V adorns Cannon Hill. The foundation stone was laid by FH Luyt mayor of Uitenhage on 22nd June 1911.