A four‐month siege by Boer forces during the Second Boer War of a town in eastern South Africa, in KwaZulu‐Natal. It was founded in the early 19th century and named after the wife of the governor of Natal, Sir Harry Smith. Ladysmith was relieved on 28 February 1900 by Lord Roberts, who replaced General Sir Redvers Buller as commander of the British forces.