This book is utterly extraordinary! In 1891, surveyor Thomas Ward completed a comprehensive map of Wellington, from Thorndon in the north to inner-city Te Aro to Berhampore in the south, which was updated regularly over the next 10 years. As well as the streets, it has every dwelling, including homes, hotels, theatres, brothels, shops, stables, and Parliament, the Town Belt, prisons and much more.
This substantial hardback reproduces the giant map, breaking it down into smaller areas, and historian Elizabeth Cox brings each area to life during Victorian times with her insightful text. Numerous photos are also included.
The original map comprised 88 sheets, and in the pages of this book the author brings Victorian Wellington vividly to life – from the wealthy landowners in Thorndon to the rough-and-tumble of the poor living in Te Aro, with no drainage or sanitation.
Read the full review by Karen McMillan at NZ Booklovers here.
