The ship John Wickliffe arrives at Port Chalmers carrying the first Scottish settlers for Dunedin, New Zealand. Otago province is founded.

The Ship John Wickliffe holds historical significance as one of the early vessels that transported European settlers to New Zealand. It was part of the Canterbury Association’s planned settlement scheme in the mid-19th century.

Background: The Canterbury Association was formed in 1848 with the intention of establishing a colony in New Zealand. Their aim was to create a Church of England settlement in the Canterbury region of the South Island.

Construction and Voyage: The Ship John Wickliffe was one of the vessels chartered by the Canterbury Association to transport settlers to New Zealand. It was a barque, a type of sailing ship, which was a common mode of transportation during that era. The ship was named after John Wycliffe, a prominent figure in the English Reformation.

Voyage to New Zealand: In 1850, the Ship John Wickliffe set sail from England to Lyttelton, Canterbury, New Zealand, carrying the first large group of settlers for the Canterbury settlement. The journey was long and arduous, often taking several months to complete.

Settlement: Upon arrival in Lyttelton, the settlers disembarked and began establishing the Canterbury settlement. They faced numerous challenges, including adapting to the new environment, building homes and infrastructure, and establishing communities.

Legacy: The arrival of the Ship John Wickliffe and its passengers marked a significant moment in the history of Canterbury and New Zealand as a whole. The settlers who arrived on the ship played a vital role in shaping the region’s development, contributing to its culture, economy, and society.

Commemoration: The Ship John Wickliffe is remembered as a symbol of the pioneering spirit of early European settlers in New Zealand. Various commemorations and events may honor its role in history, particularly in Canterbury.