Cricketing Colonists

Discover the untold story of William Guise Brittan, a pivotal figure in the founding of Canterbury, New Zealand. This captivating book dives deep into the life and contributions of the man often overshadowed by better-known founders like John Robert Godley and Edward Gibbon Wakefield. Delve into the fascinating narrative of the first Canterbury Pilgrims, as Brittan not only led the charge for settlement but also became a symbol of cricket in the region, earning the title 'the Father of Cricket' in Canterbury.

This paperback edition, measuring 155 x 228 mm with 350 pages, offers an insightful exploration of early Christchurch, shedding light on how Brittan's life intertwined with the founding of the city. As the chair of the Society of Canterbury Colonists and head of the Land Office, Brittan played a crucial role in the province's development, influencing not just cricket but also the political landscape of his time. His efforts, alongside those of his brother Joseph—another notable figure in local politics and journalism—shaped the societal framework of Canterbury.

Published by Canterbury University Press on August 20, 2015, this book combines rich historical detail with personal anecdotes, painting a vivid picture of the age. Perfect for history enthusiasts and cricket lovers alike, this account reveals why the Brittan brothers, crucial to the region’s past, deserve a resurgence in recognition. Explore their impact on Christchurch and the charm of early settlement life that continues to resonate today.

Authors: Geoff Rice, Frances Ryman, Geoffrey Rice Publisher: Canterbury University Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 155 x 228 mm
Pages: 350
Publication Date: 20-08-2015

John Robert Godley, Edward Gibbon Wakefield, James Edward FitzGerald - these are the names that usually come to mind as the founders of Canterbury. But there was a fourth vitally important individual, arguably equal in importance to FitzGerald, whose story remains largely unknown. William Guise Brittan led the first Canterbury Pilgrims, chaired the Society of Canterbury Colonists and controlled the Land Office in early Christchurch. The 'bell-wether man' of the Canterbury project, he was the first to pay for land land in the settlement, inspiring others to follow his example. William Guise Brittan was also known as 'the Father of Cricket' in Canterbury and established three churches in Christchurch. The city's cathedral was built with stone from his Halswell quarry. His elder brother Joseph, who joined him in 1852, had a significant influence on local politics, as a provincial secretary, and was expected to follow FitzGerald as superintendent, though he lost the 1857 election. A former newspaper owner, he also founded the "Canterbury Standard" in 1854 as a rival to the "Lyttelton Times". He too, was a cricket enthusiast. The Brittan brothers were leading figures in the Canterbury settlement, and made substantial contributions to the province, yet they were unpopular, both their careers ended in failure and disappointment and they have been mostly forgotten. This timely and fascinating account seeks to explain why, exploring their work and family lives (and their bank accounts), and along the way providing a richly detailed panorama of life and politics in early Chistchurch.