Langman's Cottage (circa 1860)

This cottage was probably constructed by/for Thomas Langman about 1860. A newspaper advertisement published in the Taranaki Herald on 22 September 1866 lists for sale " a corner allotment in Molesworth and Eliot streets, New Plymouth, with substantial 4 roomed house, belonging to Mr. Thos. Langman. Price, £200". Langman owned the section prior to it being purchased by E. Marsh in 1875, and this advertisement likely refers to the current house at 105 Molesworth Street.

Thomas Langman was a farmer outside New Plymouth prior to the wars of the early 1860s (possibly residing at his parents house in the upper Westown/Omata Road area). Thomas Langman's parents home was destroyed in the conflicts, and it seems he moved into town at the outbreak of war. A construction date of 1860 coincides with the marriage of Thomas and his first wife Sarah (nee Andrews), during October 1860.

The listing of the property for sale in 1866 coincides with the end of major conflict, and signals Langman's intention to return to farming outside of town. However, the property didn't sell in 1866, and was advertised for sale again in 1867 with Langman listed as the owner and occupier; once again it did not sell. By the late 1860s - early 1870s, Langman had moved to the Huirangi area where he was one of the earliest settlers - the cottage was sold to E. Marsh in 1875, and was presumably rented prior to this time.

Its architectural interest is based on its rarity as a board and batten cottage dating from the early days of European settlement. The original front door has been boarded over, although its location can be easily distinguished at the centre-front of the original cottage.

There are drawings in council records that indicate that it was split into two flats in the 1940s - renovations were carried out for Mr J.E. Dickey in 1944. Later, further alterations were undertaken for Mr R. Marsh in 1950 and Mrs S. Sones in 1983.

The cottage was noted in the 1995 NPDC CBD Heritage Inventory. 

Town section 1339, Taranaki Land Deed Index I5 p.217.