Clanwilliam is on of the oldest 10 towns in South Africa.
In 1660 Dutch explorers reached the now Olifants River ( meaning Elephant s River ) named so as they saw a huge herd of elephants grazing on the banks.
The first farm was registered to Pieter van Zyl in 1732 on the banks of the Olifants s River.
The town was originally named Jan Disselsvlei after a local pioneer and botanist.
It is estimated the town originated between 1804 and 1808.
In 1814 the Sir John Cradock renamed the town after his father-in-law the Earl of Clanwilliam.
In 1820 some Irish families (Parker Ingram Butler Synnot) where issued land in the area and the owner of Haus Muller is a Miss Butler now Muller.
