As early as 1850, there were 3 squares in the first map of Christchurch. To be named after three 16th century martyred Bishops: Latimer and Cramner Squares started to take their shape…so did Ridley Square which was destined to become known as Cathedral Square. All three were to have churches built on them. Latimer Square …
Settler’s Corner can be found in North Hagley Park, close to the Riccarton Ave car park and the tennis courts. Its so close to the border of the Botanic Gardens, you can hear the children playing in the paddling pool. In 1851, some of the families from the first four ships and those who came …
Edward Gibbon Wakefield (1796 – 1862) could roll with the punches! Born in London, he was a politician who took a keen interest in colonisation, firstly with South Australia.Before all the drama started, Edward eloped with a very rich Eliza Pattle; his eyes not so fixed on his new bride but the £70,000 she came …
Just had to share this photo of this beautiful lady, dressed in her best. Her name is Jessie Rhodes “the Lady of Otahuna” – of the Rhodes’ estate in Tai Tapu. From birth, Jessie Rhodes (nee Clark) had the world laid at her feet. Born into a wealthy family, she was destined to rub shoulders …
It wasn’t love at first sight for either John or Jane Deans…unbelievable concerning the history they made together. Jane was born at Auchenflower Farm, Ayrshire, Scotland on the 21st April 1823. She was eldest child of farmer/gentleman James McIlraith and his first wife Agnes. When her mother died, Jane became the mother hen of her …
Rev. Octavius Mathias – 1805 – 1864 Reverend Octavius Mathias no doubt knew that it was him behind Bishop Harper’s comment that some of the early clergymen of Canterbury just lacked the commitment. Educated at Cambridge, Octavius became a Chaplin in the Royal Navy. Taking a keen interest in New Zealand, he was one of …
Sybil Maude (1862 – 1935) was born to fulfill three future options: 1. Marry well 2. Become a Governess 3. Be a lady’s companion …Sybil did none of these! The eldest of a well-to-do-family, Sybil was born in Hagley Lodge – her birth certificate listing the Maude family under the St Peter’s Parish, Riccarton Bush, …
In June 2012, the 162 year old timber pile remains of John Robert Godley’s house (co-founder of the Canterbury Association and Chief Agent) were discovered during the demolition of Lyttelton’s Plunket building (built during the 1940’s) due to earthquake damage. It appears that the Plunkett structure had been built over top. John Robert Godley, his …
Even at the age of 17, Hamilton Ward was “much too fond for his age of making a good bargain.” Maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise at how confident and independent he was. He had been a 14 year old settler on the Canterbury Association’s first ship, the ‘Charlotte Jane’. Just six months later, his …
Lower Hutt born Julia Deans was only one year old when her family returned to Christchurch to live. From proud Canterbury pioneering stock, her grandfather and well known artist, the Late Austen Deans, was one of the last Deans to be born at Riccarton House. But she was to eventually return to Wellington to pursue …
