13 August 1814
Cape formally ceded to Britain
Under the Anglo-Dutch arrangements of 1814, the Netherlands formally ceded the Cape to Britain, converting the occupation begun in 1806 into an agreed imperial transfer.
View in timelineThe Netherlands formally ceded the Cape to Britain on 13 August 1814 under the Anglo-Dutch settlement. This diplomatic transfer confirmed Britain's possession after the occupation of 1806, while Cape communities were not parties to the agreement.
Significance
The cession settled the diplomatic status of the Cape between Britain and the Netherlands, even though it did not represent a local act of self-determination.
Why it matters
The cession settled the diplomatic status of the Cape between Britain and the Netherlands, even though it did not represent a local act of self-determination.
Perspective notes
The treaty was negotiated by European governments. Cape communities had to live with the resulting transfer of sovereignty and its expanding colonial administration.