We celebrate (well, we should more often) the arrival of the First Four Ships – the Charlotte Jane, Randolph, Sir George Seymour and the Cressy – when in reality, they should number as the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th ship instead!
The Canterbury Association sent over 16 ships to Lyttelton before the Charlotte Jane sailed into our history books. These 16 ships brought 2500 souls with them that began the work needed to start off our city.
The Canterbury Association purchased the Canterbury Plains for 10 shillings per acre from The New Zealand Company. The Association then sold the land to the settlers at £3 per acre!
Here in London, is the plaque acknowledging the birth place of The Canterbury Association.
*photo courtesy of Rowena Laing*
