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Articles, Christchurch uncovered

Childhood. We all had one. Whether we remember it vaguely or with clarity, we all passed through this phase of life. As infants we shook that baby rattle with all our might or nursed that pacifier until our eyes closed … Continue reading →

Articles, Christchurch uncovered

At the start of an archaeological investigation we often consult historical documents to learn as much as we can about a site’s past. Such research can identify the buildings that were once present, the people associated with the site through … Continue reading →

Articles, Christchurch uncovered

…this yard being kept in a disreputable state, there are no cinder pits in proper places to throw the refuse of cooking and things in general, as at home, so old bones, vegetable remains, scrapings of plates, cinders, tea leaves, … Continue reading →

Articles, Christchurch uncovered

It came as a bit of a surprise when over 1000 fragments of broken stoneware jars were unearthed at an otherwise ordinary Christchurch archaeological site. But there, sitting under some old petrol tanks, was Christchurch history waiting to be found.What … Continue reading →

Articles, Christchurch uncovered

Historical archaeology has many facets, it includes recording buildings and features, artefact analysis, names and dates, but if you take a moment, collaborate all that data, you have a powerful tool for telling someone’s story. Some call this type of … Continue reading →

Articles, Christchurch uncovered

Today’s post presents the story of William Bowen, a prominent Christchurch builder, as told by his residence at 441 Madras Street. Archaeologists recorded this building using building archaeology techniques before and during its post-earthquake demolition. 441 Madras Street was initially … ...

Articles, Christchurch uncovered

Bedlam. That’s how most people think of 19th century hospitals for the mentally unwell. The phrase ‘lunatic asylums’ – which was how such institutions were known at the time – doesn’t conjure up much better images. But what if the … Continue reading →

Articles, Christchurch uncovered

Today, through the wonders of archaeology and Papers Past, we bring you the story of Charles Henry Cox, a man whose crime has been buried – literally – for over 100 years. But let’s not get too carried away. As … Continue reading →

Articles, Christchurch uncovered

- Thomas Hughes, Tom Brown’s School Days, 1857 It’s hard to picture what many of Christchurch’s buildings looked like before the earthquake. For many locals the torn down remains of a building or an empty lot remind them of a … Continue reading →

Articles, Christchurch uncovered

Many of you will probably have heard of Baxter’s Lung Preserver, a local Christchurch product created in the 19th century and still sold today. Bottles of Baxter’s, with the name of the product embossed on the sides, are common finds … Continue reading →

Images, Canterbury Museum

One landscape colour digital photograph taken on 26 May 2013 showing the Godley Head Lighthouse and cliffs. Taken from the entrance to Lyttelton Harbour looking north. The Godley Head Lighthouse (K4286) was discontinued on 6 July 2012. Volcanic banding is visible in the face of the cliffs. There were several major rock falls along the coastal ...

Images, Canterbury Museum

One landscape colour digital photograph taken on 26 May 2013 showing the southern cliffs of Godley Head, taken from the middle of the shipping channel. Some earthquake damage to the cliffs is visible. There were several major rock falls along the coastal cliffs near Christchurch and Lyttelton Harbour. At Godley Head these caused damage to the ...

Images, Canterbury Museum

One landscape colour digital photograph taken on 27 May 2013 of London Street in Lyttelton. Taken from Sumner Road looking west across the intersection of London and Oxford Streets. The photograph shows several empty sections and the remaining buildings. The Lyttelton streetscape has changed dramatically from its pre-earthquake appearance and w...

Images, Canterbury Museum

One landscape colour digital photograph taken on 26 May 2013 off Godley Head looking west towards the face of the cliffs. Rock which fell from the cliffs is heaped at the waters edge. Some of the buildings from the coastal defence battery are visible on top of the cliff. Volcanic banding is visible in the face of the cliffs. There were severa...

Images, Canterbury Museum

One landscape colour digital photograph taken on 27 May 2013 of a retaining wall in Sumner Road which was replaced due to earthquake damage. The original wall was created using red volcanic rock. Many walls like this were built using the Hard Labour Gang from the Lyttelton Gaol. The replacement wall has a small section of stone installed to sho...

Images, Canterbury Museum

One landscape colour digital photograph taken on 26 May 2013 of London Street, Lyttelton. The photograph was taken from St Davids Street looking west. The roofs of the portable buildings forming the temporary Lyttelton Police station are visible in the foreground. The Lyttelton Port Company offices and Tunnel Portal are prominent in the midgrou...

Images, Canterbury Museum

One landscape colour digital photograph taken on 27 May 2013 of a retaining wall in Sumner Road which was replaced due to earthquake damage. The original wall was created using red volcanic rock. Many walls like this were built using the Hard Labour Gang from the Lyttelton Gaol. The replacement wall has a small section of stone installed to sho...

Images, Canterbury Museum

One landscape colour digital photograph taken on 26 May 2013 on the corner of Norwich Quay and Canterbury Street, Lyttelton. The photograph shows the Mitre Hotel surrounded by temporary fencing. Three years after the 2010-2011 earthquakes there are still many uncertainties about which buildings can or will be retained. These buildings, or parts...

Images, Canterbury Museum

One landscape colour digital photograph taken on 26 May 2013 on Winchester Street, Lyttelton. The photograph shows part of the rear windscreen of a blue car with a sticker which reads 'I don't need sex EQC is screwing me'. The right side of the sticker is torn leaving a jagged edge. The process of negotiation with EQC and insurance companies to...

Images, Canterbury Museum

One landscape colour digital photograph taken on 26 May 2013 on the corner of Norwich Quay and Canterbury Street, Lyttelton. The photograph shows the sites of the Royal Hotel, Shadbolt House, and the Lyttelton Hotel along Norwich Quay. The Wunderbar and the repair and strengthening work underway on the Lyttelton Working Mens Club/The Loons are v...