George Gatonby Stead (1841 – 1908)

George Gatonby Stead was born in London, England. At the age of 9, his parents moved his life to South Africa where he lived until he was 24. During that time he became a excellent rider and good shot with a rifle. On returning to England in 1865, he soon decided to emigrate to Canterbury, …

HEATHCOTE VALLEY & RIVER – Sir William Heathcote (1801 – 1881)

If Ferrymead is the gateway to Christchurch, then Heathcote is the step down to that gate. As the world famous writer – and great lover of Canterbury – Samuel Butler came puffing down the Bridle Path, he not only cast his eyes over the vastness of the plains but also took in what lay at …