YORKTOWN -
THE STORY

In the 1860’s five Yorkshiremen arrived in what is now considered part of Aylesbury, Halkett and West Melton districts. These men, whose names were Cass, Catrick, Holland, Price and Walker, bought a thousand acres on the Bealey Track and subdivided it themselves. Yorktown was formed.

The district back then was a sea of tussock with no natural water supply; however the settlers were impressed with the hot, dry summers of Canterbury and began to build homes and prepare the land for farming and agriculture. An extensive water race system was built in the 1880’s, allowing for more intensive farming and providing a water supply for stock.

Over time the settlement gained a blacksmith shop, general store, Baptist church and boot making business to support the local farming activities of the area. Situated on the Bealey Track (now the West Coast Road SH73), the main road through West Melton connecting Christchurch with Hororata, Yorktown became a key stopover for those travelling on coach, including Malvern District coal miners and the steady stream of fortune seekers making their way to the gold diggings in Otago and the West Coast.

With the Yorktown rural residential subdivision complete, the land provides new owners with the opportunity to pursue their own dreams and aspirations, to create lasting memories and a legacy for future generations to enjoy.