Cressy (ship)

The Cressy anchored at Port Lyttelton; drawing by Mary Townsend
History
United Kingdom
Name:	Cressy
Builder:	Laing shipyard, River Wear, Sunderland
Launched:	1843
General characteristics
Class and type:	barque
Tons burthen:	720
Propulsion:	sail

The Cressy was one of the first four ships in 1850 to carry emigrants from England to the new colony of Canterbury in New Zealand. The Cressy was the last to arrive on 27 December. The other ships were Charlotte Jane, Sir George Seymour and Randolph.

The passengers aboard these four ships were referred to as the "Canterbury Pilgrims" of Christchurch. Their names are inscribed on a marble plaque in Cathedral Square in the centre of Christchurch.