Military Hatchments - St Mary's Cathedral (1878-1909)

Painted by Reverend Philip Walsh after an idea by Captain Frederick C. Rowan (ex-43rd Regiment & Armed Constabulary), the 17 military hatchments in St Mary's Church on Vivian Street (now Taranaki Cathedral) were produced between 1878 and 1909. The first hatchment or coat of arms - that of the 43rd Regiment - was installed in 1878, with the remainder begun 20 years later in 1898, and the last hung in 1909.

In 1904 the HMS Niger hatchment was unveiled by Captain Robert Falcon Scott on his way back to the UK after his first Antarctic expedition.

Units represented are the 12^th, 14^th, 18^th, 40^th, 43^rd, 50^th, 57^th, 58^th, 65^th, 68^th & 70^th Regiments, Royal Marine Light Infantry, Taranaki Militia and Volunteers, HMS Niger, Friendly Māori, Royal Engineers and Royal Artillery. The presence of these hatchments contributed to St Mary’s reputation for a time as "The Garrison Church". 

The hatchments were moved from the walls in the main area of the church to the chancel and vestry on Sunday 3 March 2013, with the ceremony attended by Dean Jamie Allen and Archbishop David Moxon (previously Bishop of Taranaki) before he left to represent the Anglican Church at the Vatican.

Note: Entry to Taranaki Cathedral is currently restricted while a programme of seismic strengthening is undertaken.