A short walking (and sitting) tour pointing out locations of interest in Victoria Square, explaining the milestones and changes over 150 years.

Victoria Square has a rich and varied history, as Christchurch's Market Place, it was the centre of commerce in the fledgling settlement. Before long it was home to little wooden shops, busy hotels and flourishing businesses, and to the city's law courts. Much later it was the site of the splendid town hall. There have been many changes over the years, by far the most drastic those that followed the major earthquakes of 2010 and 2011.

Learn about the story of a place and its people, of protests and processions, of concerts and dances, of festivals and fights, of busy department stores, of hotels and tourists, of judges and courtrooms.

Geoffrey Rice brings to life many of the stories and events connected with Victoria Square and the colourful personalities who have lived and worked there for over a century and a half.

Booking required by emailing geoff.rice@canterbury.ac.nz 

Photo: Market Hall 1859