Sir Langham Dale was instrumental in the establishment of the University of the Cape of Good Hope in June 1873. He was both Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of the University. He succeeded James Rose Innes as Superintendent General of Education in 1859 and some of his innovations attracted vehement opposition. A review of Bantu Education in the Cape Colony in 1863 resulted in it being placed under the direct control of the Department of Education. His interest in the ecclesiastical sphere included his involvement in the trial of Bishop Colenso of Natal, and the playing of a significant role in the Anglican Church affairs in the Cape. He spent many months on circuit visits of Cape Schools, and took a great interest in the early history of the Cape, collecting specimens of Stone age tools, found mainly on the Cape Flats. He interested himself in civic events and technical advancement such as the arrival of the railway line at Salt River. Finally, he was the recipient of a number of meritorious awards - most importantly the knighthood awarded by Queen Victoria in May 1889. (The most distinguished order of St Michael and St George).