Cottage Rock

We all know Cave Rock (was once known as Cass Rock, named after Thomas Cass, a surveyor)very well; is there a Cantab out there who hasn’t climbed up its south side to look down over Sumner Beach? BUT who really noticed the smaller rock formation to its right?  I know of it, I can picture …

Sir Arthur Dudley Dobson (1841 – 1934)

Sir Arthur Dudley Dobson was truly a man-child amongst men! Arthur first entered into history as a nine year old, aboard the ‘Cressy’ with his father Edward Senior and his older brother George. His mother and younger siblings would arrive the following year aboard the Fatima – the Canterbury Association’s 19th ship. Edward Senior struggled …

ADDINGTON AND SUMNER – Dr. John Bird Sumner (1780 – 1863)

Addington in South London was an 18th century mansion that housed 7 Archbishops including Dr. John Bird Sumner.Born in Henilworth, he was educated at Eton College and King’s College. Ordained in 1802, he was consecrated as Bishop of Chester in 1828. In 1848, Sumner became the president of the Canterbury Association and the Archbishop of …

The Avon River (Ōtākaro)

I can’t begin to fathom how surreal the afternoon/evening of the 16th December 1850 would have been for the Deans brothers. Especially as they may have stood in the doorway of the Deans Cottage while the shrieks and shouts of two stripped down male settlers splashed about in the Avon River – their echoes adding …

Sumner Joined The Greater Christchurch – 1st April 1945

On 1 April 1945, Sumner joined the Greater Christchurch and came under the care of the C.C.C. Dr. John Bird Sumner was born in Henilworth, England. Ordained in 1802, he was consecrated as Bishop of Chester in 1828. In 1848, Sumner became the president of the Canterbury Association and was, at that time, the Archbishop …