The Fencibles

Howick was named after the Rt. Hon. Sir Henry George Grey, Viscount Howick and later the 3rd Earl Grey.  He was Secretary for the State and Colonies in the British Government from 1846 – 1852 and resided at Howick Hall in Northumberland, England (above) 

From 1847 to 1854, retiring British soldiers and their families were offered free passage to the new colony of New Zealand.   The ‘Fencibles’, as they were known, were promised a pension for life, work and a two roomed cottage.   A further five acres of land at a special cheap price of 2 guineas was offered.   In return, they had to attend the church parade every Sunday for seven years and be available to defend the new settlement of Auckland if required.   The need to defend Auckland never arose and the men eventually became labourers on farms or roads.