6 August 1813
Cape loan places become eligible for perpetual quitrent
Governor John Cradock's proclamation allowed settler loan places to be surveyed and converted into farms held under perpetual quitrent.
On 6 August 1813, Governor John Cradock issued the Conversion of Loan Places to Perpetual Quitrent Proclamation. Holders of settler loan places could apply to have the land surveyed and converted into farms held under perpetual quitrent.
The measure created a route from a limited permission to use grazing land toward more secure and durable title. Conversion was not automatic: the land had to be surveyed and a title deed issued.
Significance
The proclamation strengthened settler property within the British colonial legal system while providing no equivalent recognition for the customary land rights of indigenous pastoral communities.
Why it matters
The measure transformed precarious grazing permissions into a route toward durable, surveyed colonial property rights.
Perspective notes
Conversion required surveying and the issuing of title; the proclamation did not itself automatically turn every loan place into private property. The system did not provide equivalent recognition for indigenous customary land rights.