The First Four Ships refers to the four sailing vessels chartered by the Canterbury Association which left Plymouth, England, in September 1850 to transport the first English settlers to new homes in Canterbury, New Zealand. The colonists or settlers who arrived on the first four ships are known as the Canterbury Pilgrims.
Passengers disembarking from Cressy. In the background are Lyttelton town and other ships riding at anchor in Port Victoria, December 1850
Surviving immigrants from the first six ships celebrate 75 years in Christchurch (Godley Statue, 1925)
The Canterbury Association was formed in 1848 in England by members of parliament, peers, and Anglican church leaders, to establish a colony in New Zealand. The settlement was to be called Canterbury, with its capital to be known as Christchurch. Organised emigration started in 1850 and the colony was established in the South Island, with the First Four Ships bringing out settlers steeped in the region's history. The Association was not a financial success for the founding members and the organisation was wound up in 1855.
Plaque at 22 Whitehall, London, commemorating the first meeting of the Canterbury Association
An 1850 Canterbury Association poster aimed at working-class people
The Canterbury Association ships Bangalore, Dominion, Duke of Portland, Lady Nugent, and Canterbury in the East India Docks in 1851