Born in 1863 in Woolwich, a market town in Kent, England, Elizabeth Martha Burgess, better known as Cockney Liz, grew up alongside her three brothers and a sister. As a young woman, she became engaged to Roy Spencer, a man whose story would alter
the course of her life. Cockney Liz arrived in Barberton in January 1886, a time when gold fever gripped the Lowveld and fortunes were made or lost in the blink of an eye. Liz arrived by mail coach, determined to reunite with her fiancé. What awaited her, however, was tragedy. She learned that Roy had been shot, accused of stealing his partner’s savings.

The truth, as later uncovered, was even more heartbreaking. During a drunken quarrel at Pilgrim’s Rest, Roy’s travelling companion, Walter Scott, falsely accused him of theft and shot him in anger. Upon returning to his tent, Walter discovered the missing gold in his own pocket. Wracked with guilt, he sought forgiveness at the local Methodist Church before taking his own life. Both men now lie in Pilgrim’s Rest cemetery, Roy in the well-known "Robber’s Grave," and Walter in an unmarked plot beside him. Their story is one of many woven into Barberton’s early days, and a key piece of Liz’s remarkable journey.

Like many hopefuls, she came chasing opportunity, but rather than panning for gold in the rivers or staking a claim, she staked hers in the hospitality trade. She quickly became known for managing and owning some of Barberton’s most popular hotels. Her establishments were lively hubs of activity, filled with fortune-seekers, gamblers, prospectors, and the occasional troublemaker. These hotels weren’t just places to rest weary feet; they were the social pulse of the gold town, offering music, dancing, and a good dose of adventure. Liz, with her London accent and undeniable presence, stood at the centre of it all.

The stories woven around Cockney Liz paint her as more than just a businesswoman. Tales tell of her gambling skills, generosity to down-on-their-luck miners, and even her sharp tongue when the occasion called for it. Some locals swear she had a hand in settling disputes, brokering friendships, and occasionally stirring the pot herself. Whether all the stories are true or not, there’s no denying that her larger-than-life reputation was well earned. The most popular one is where she allegedly auctioned herself of at the end of an evening of music, gambling and drinking and would spent the night with the highest bidder. Needless to say, most of the men were so intoxicated by the time they reached her room, that they simply fell asleep.

One of the more enduring legends tells of her compassion during times of hardship. When miners ran out of money, she reportedly extended credit and never turned away a hungry soul. She was both feared and loved, a woman with street smarts, a heart for her community, and an iron will that rivalled any prospector’s. Over time, as Barberton’s gold veins began to run dry, the bustling hotels and saloons quietened. Cockney Liz’s name, however, didn’t fade away. Today her story lives on, passed from one generation to the next, reminding residents of the strong characters that helped build the town’s colourful history.

Disclaimer: This article draws upon historical information and folklore that are in the public domain. Any references to specific works are used in accordance with applicable legal standards.