There were over 2,500 men, women and children who arrived in New Zealand during the years 1847 - 1852. They settled in the now south and eastern suburbs of Auckland, namely Onehunga, Otahuhu, Panmure and Howick. In return for availability in case of attack and attendance at parades, the Fencibles were provided with a cottage and an acre of land which after seven years service they would own.
This one has been preserved and looked after in Panmure behind a picturesque white picket fence.
@lornareid Most of these people came from Scotland! But this is actually not a true Fencible cottage as those were built with timber. This was built of stone but because it's the same age, is known as a Fencilble.
@kamb Not now.. they mostly have been extended and renovated. We bought one in 1971 and renovated it beyond recognition. They were so small and so cold.
This cottage looks very unlike the traditional NZ house Maggiemay but very like the plain Scottish houses we saw last w/e in Scotland ! Must have wanted a taste of home but I think they got the better deal coming to NZ in the end ! Must have been riches indeed in those days to have a cottage & an acre of land !
