Biography

Charlotte Godley was born in 1821 at Voelas, Denbighshire, North Wales, a daughter of Sara and Charles Griffith Wynne. In 1846 Charlotte married John Robert Godley who was appointed resident chief agent of the Canterbury Association. In December 1849 they left London for New Zealand on the Lady Nugent with their son John Arthur. A daughter Rose was born shortly before they returned to England.

During her two years in Canterbury, Charlotte Godley was an important influence on the early developments of society in the settlement. After her return to England she continued to maintain a keen interest in New Zealand affairs. A collection of letters to her mother was published as Letters from early New Zealand, 1850-1853.

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