It doesn’t take much imagination to picture the first meeting of The Canterbury Association on the 27th March 1848. The chosen room at 41 Charing Cross, London began to fill with some of the well known names and faces of the British upper class; gentlemen of the church, noble families, rank and money, some of …
“….having spread the mortar, the stone was lowered to its place, and striking it with the mallet his Excellency said, “I declare this stone to be well and truly laid, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.” ~ Lyttelton Times 1873 What a proud moment for …
On the 10th February 1864, work men from the Christchurch City Council were driving a 2 inch thick pipe down into the ground on the corner of Tuam and High Streets looking for water. Although back then, it was the corner of Tuam Street and Ferry Road. The pipe reached the depth of 25 metres …
Captain Joseph Thomas is easily the most forgotten man in Christchurch’s history. Born in 1803, Joseph was educated at the Royal Military College – so naturally he spent the beginning of his working life in the Army. He served in India and the West Indies, retiring in 1830. He travelled to South America where he …
The first ever Rugby game was played in Cranmer Square in 1863. The two-hour game was played between Christ’s College and the Gentlemen of Christchurch – ending in a draw, 1 try scored by each team. The same day, the Christchurch Football Club formed and is now the oldest club in New Zealand. The Club …
