Captain Charles Simeon (1816 – 1867)

The story of the Simeon Family and that of Canterbury, New Zealand begins very much like the story of Canterbury itself. Sir John Simeon (pictured), like other lads from wealthy families, saw his teenage years in at Christ Church College in Oxford, as did his younger brothers, Charles and Cornwell. It was there that he …

BARRINGTON – Louisa Edith Simeon (1790 – 1832)

The story of the Simeon Family and that of Canterbury, New Zealand begins very much like the story of Canterbury itself. Sir John Simeon (pictured), like other lads from wealthy families, saw his teenage years in at Christ Church College in Oxford, as did his younger brothers, Charles and Cornwell.  It was there that he …

SOMERFIELD – Edward Brenchley Bishop (1822 – 1887)

Edward Brenchley Bishop must have been relieved as he watched the timber for his new house arrive via the Heathcote River; it hadn’t been an easy adventure so far.  He and his family had made the trek over the Bridle Path, leading a single packhorse along with them that carried a simple tent and supplies.  …

Christchurch’s First Court Case

As the citizens of Christchurch went about their business at the Land Office (which is now a part of the Canterbury Provincial Chambers), upstairs, in a very small room sat four of our founding fathers, squished in side by side behind a small table. They were John Robert Godley (founder of Canterbury), Mark Stoddart (first …