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 after, settled in this area of Hagley Park while they sorted out their land orders and better housing was built. First there were tents and then came the historic ‘V’ huts.
Why did they choose this spot? Close by was the Avon River and a natural water spring known today as the Pilgrim’s Well.
The families that camped here are the following: Bowen (Charlotte Jane), Williams (Randolph), Philpotts (Randolph), Treleavens (Castle Eden), Quaifes (Cressy), Turner (Samarang), Broughton (William Hyde), Willis (William Hyde), Denton (Sir George Seymour).
*Photo taken by Chris Bulovic*
