Henry Charles Swan (1856–1931) was an English lawyer and New Zealand settler. In either 1901 or 1902 he left for a supposed solo yacht trip around the world but instead ended up sailing up a tidal tributary of Henderson Creek, where he would livef inside his yacht for at least 25 years until his death.[1] [2]
Swan's Arch, a category II listed structure was constructed by him.
Swan was born 1856 in Gateshead, England to Joseph and Ann Swan (née Robson). Swan's father's profession is not recorded but it is believed he was a wealthy individual, possibly a large shareholder in the London and Eastern Great Railway Company. He graduated in law from Oxford University[3] and was admitted to the Inner Temple. Swan worked at one of the oldest legal firms in Newcastle upon Tyne,[4] known as Arnott, Swan, and Walker, which had been founded by his uncle,[5] from 1880 till at least 1891. Swan married his wife, Edith Mary Widdrington, in Ontario, Canada at the age of 25. Before leaving for New Zealand Swan had established an orchard in Northumberland following an interest in botany.[5] Swan arrived in New Zealand with his wife sometime after leaving his job. Swan purchased a 69 acre section in Henderson alongside the Henderson Creek in November 1898 for 220 pounds. This section was subdivided in 1915 with Swan retaining 13 acres.[6] [7]
Swan and his wife lived in Devonport and in either 1901 or 1902 he sailed out onto the harbour aboard the Awatea, Swan's yacht he purchased in 1900. Most reports state Swan had told people he was going to sail around the world.[6] [7]
During his time as a recluse Swan had gotten into botany again. Swan was propagating for the purpose of dealing with orchard pests.[6]
One story about Swan states that no one had heard of Swan since his supposed voyage until 1910, when two boys exploring the Waitemata Harbour managed to head up the stream in their boat. They came across a yacht, and orchard crops, alongside Swan himself.[7] Despite reports of Swan being a complete recluse and being 'discovered' in 1910 after years of isolation there is evidence this is either untrue or a heavily distorted story. Swan was a member of the Plumer Domain Board from 1907–1923 and helped create the domain.[6] Swan's wife was known to meet him every Friday at the Henderson railway station. Swan also had his place of residence listed as Henderson on the electoral roll of 1905.
Swan was known to some locals as the 'Henderson hermit'.[5]
Swan studied theology and astronomy during his years on the boat. Local children would come visit him and he taught them about heaven and how to swim.[8]
Swan's death was announced via telegram on 12 November 1931.[5] He died on the 7th at an Edmonton Road property, being cared for by neighours. He was cremated at Waikumete Cemetery.[9]
Upon his death his £35,000 estate was bequeathed to his wife who still lived in Devonport. His wife remained in Devonport until her death. Swan and his wife had no children.[6] [10]
Swan's death was reported all over the country as well as back in Tyneside, England. He was described as a 'brilliant barrister' and as an 'eccentric Englishman'. Rumours spread that his estate was worth £250,000 pounds.[2] In actuality his estate was worth less than £35,000 pounds.[11]
One person who had met Swan recalled that Swan had dug up an apple and offered it to him. Swan claimed the apple was 25 years old and he had used a scientific method of preserving it.[12] An apple Swan propagated known as the Golden Swan was well known in West Auckland.
Swan has been remembered as a kind and charitable man who would give his money to those in need. His obituary described him as a philanthropist who 'liberally' gave to charity and the poor.[13]
Lucy Cranwell-Smith, a highly regarded botanist credits Swan with helping foster her interest and learning of botany.
Maurice Shadbolt's novella, Dove on the Waters is inspired by Swan's life.[7]
| Swan's Arch | |
| Architectural Style: | Victorian |
| Address: | Central Park Drive, Henderson |
| Start Date: | Likely before 1923 |
| Completion Date: | Likely between 1921–1927[14] |
| Destruction Date: | --> |
| Material: | Brick and mortar, concrete |
| Architect: | Henry Charles Swan |
Swan had built tunnels in the side of the creek to store his crops and books from bricks that had fallen off the pottery ships. But other than the tunnels he had also built an archway. Although the tunnels built by Swan were destroyed by flooding in 1929 the arch survived. The arch is located near Central Park Drive in a reserve known as Swan Arch Reserve.[7] [15] [14]
The purpose of the arch is not known but the son of a neighbour of Swan said it was supposed to be part of a swimming pool and fountain, possibly for the purpose of teaching children how to swim.[6] Other theories include it being used to house his yacht, unlikely due to the size of the yacht compared to the arch; that is supposed to be a bridge for crossing the stream; and that it was a type of folly, which were popular in England back when Swan was living there.[16]
Swan likely constructed the arch before 1923 but the construction date is unknown.[6]
An obituary for Swan described the arch as 'a remarkable arch of masonry'.[6] An Auckland Council heritage assessment report described it as a 'gateway to nowhere' and assigned it a category B heritage rating.[16]
Alongside the arch Swan had built a cellar vault that is still extant. The cellar vault was likely constructed between 1921–1927.[16]
The arch remained quite secluded so was undisturbed despite the development of Henderson. After the construction of Central Park Drive in the 1980s the arch and creek was discovered after being largely forgotten. The stream filled in but the effort of locals to preserve the arch, including obtaining a Heritage New Zealand listing led to the arch being protected with a reserve created around it.[16] Roughly a metre of the arch is now no longer visible from a build up of dirt.[14] The arch itself is an open barrel vault with the northern side being decorated. Most of the southern end of the vault is missing. The entrance to the vault boasts two Tuscan pilasters that have a parapet with capitals slightly above. A keystone is featured on the northern side.[16] The arch and wall's bricks are laid in Flemish bond with the soffit being laid in header bond.[14]
The cellar vault, likely built as a library, has decayed and partially collapsed over the years. It is nearly 2 metres high and more than 7 metres in length.[14]
Swan's yacht was taken from the creek several years after his death and was later restored. In the 1990s it was still being sailed.[7]