Godley Statue — Attraction in Christchurch

In Cathedral Square and just to the west from the reconstruction going on with the Christchurch Cathedral, this tall bronze statue commemorates John Robert Godley with the caption, "Founder of Canterbury, 1850". It depicts him facing the cathedral and holding his cap and coat, looking like he's on his way to an important meeting.

Of note, this was the first statue of a person in New Zealand. A second was not installed for a further 20 years. Cast in England in 1865, it was unveiled in Christchurch in 1867. It has shifted to a few different locations in Cathedral Square as some construction has come and gone and the tram line has shifted from one side of the square to another. It's been here since 1933 though it was toppled during the 2011 earthquake and then restored in 2015.

Godley (1814-1861) is considered to be the founder of the Canterbury region though he only lived here for two years. He was asked to found the colony here and arrived in Lyttelton in 1850. He served as leader of the settlement that was eventually called Christchurch until he returned to England in December 1852. He continued to advocate for the fledgling colony and write about colonial reform and colonial...

Facing the Cathedral at Cathedral Square is the statue of John Robert Godley, the important 19th-century figure who is considered the Founder of Canterbury.

The statue is the work of sculptor Thomas Woolner and was originally installed in 1867. Like many others around the city, it was damaged badly in the 2011 earthquakes. The monument was repaired and reinstalled at the square in 2015.

What you will see is a two-metre tall figure of an middle aged Godley wearing statesman attire. He faces forward with coat folded and held in his left hand while gripping his hat in his right hand. The statue is atop a stone plinth of simple design.

It is a fine statue worth seeing if you enjoy monument viewing during...

As a historical landmark, it has an excellent location facing the famous Cathedral in Christchurch. A bronze statue of the founder of Canterbury, John...