Jenny May - Architectural Historian, Heritage Management Services

Billen’s Building

Listen to this story
The building was built by Alfred Billens, who had arrived with his family from England in the 1850s.  He was said to have come from a family of lamp makers to Queen Victoria.

 

Jenny May

  • Image: Christchurch City Council
  • Image: Christchurch City Council
  • Image: Hillary Lakeman

Building information

Billens’ Building
(also known as England Brothers House)
167-177 High Street
Architect: Robert William & Edward Herbert England
Date: 1906
The building burnt down on 7 December 2012