198 St Aubyn Street (circa 1880s-90s)

Little is known about the history of this home, although it was probably the first home constructed on this section.

Based on its style, it was likely constructed in the 1880s or 1890s, and certainly after 1880, as it does not feature on Skinner's 1880 map of New Plymouth. 

A number of owners of Town Section 85 in the 1890s and early 1900s makes it difficult to pinpoint who the home was constructed for. However, the villa was probably constructed for one of the following owners of Town Section 85: M. Raymond (Jan 1883 - May 1894); A. Knygdon (May 1894 - Jan 1899); L. E. Shaw (Jan 1899 - June 1899); or M. Prestney (June 1899 - Dec 1908).

Town Section 85 was not subdivided until 1919, although both homes on the section had been constructed prior to this date. 

This home is important as part of a row of heritage and character homes on St Aubyn Street dating from the 1880s/90s to the 1920s. 

Related items:

Town Section 85, Taranaki Land Deed Index I1 page 17 and I11 page 523. (Archives New Zealand)