Henry Sewell: A Detailed Biography

Henry Sewell (1807–1879) was New Zealand’s **first Prime Minister**, serving for just 13 days in May 1856. A wealthy English lawyer, banker, and devout Anglican, he immigrated to help establish the Canterbury settlement and became the driving force behind responsible government — the principle that the Governor must accept the advice of elected ministers. This biography covers his Isle of Wight childhood, Canterbury Association role, fight for responsible government, brief premiership, and later career, as documented by the Te Ara — The Encyclopedia of New Zealand, the NZ History, and the National Archives of New Zealand.

Early Life in England

Birth on the Isle of Wight

Born on September 7, 1807, in Newport, Isle of Wight, Sewell was the son of solicitor Thomas Sewell and Jane Edwards. Educated at Hyde Abbey School, he qualified as a solicitor and built a prosperous London practice.

Canterbury Association and Emigration

Deeply religious, Sewell became deputy chairman of the Church of England’s Canterbury Association (1848), which aimed to create an Anglican settlement in New Zealand. He arrived in Lyttelton on the ship Cressy in December 1852 with his wife Elizabeth and children, as detailed by the Christchurch City Libraries.

Entry into Politics

Elected to the Canterbury Provincial Council in 1853, Sewell quickly became a leader of the “compact” pushing for self-government. He was appointed Colonial Secretary in 1854 and travelled to Auckland to lobby Governor Gore Browne.

First Premiership (7–20 May 1856)

The 13-Day Ministry

On May 7, 1856, Sewell formed New Zealand’s first responsible ministry — the beginning of true parliamentary government. He accepted the role only to force the Governor to accept the principle. Once achieved, he resigned on May 20, handing power to William Fox, as documented by the NZ History.

Later Political Career

Sewell served as Colonial Treasurer, Attorney-General, and twice as Premier of Canterbury Province. He returned to England in 1861 but came back several times, finally retiring there in 1868.

Personal Life

Sewell married Elizabeth Kittoe in 1834; they had seven children. Known for his dry wit and strong Anglican faith, he kept detailed diaries that are a major historical source, as preserved by the Papers Past.

Death and Legacy

Henry Sewell’s Enduring Impact

Sewell died of a stroke on May 14, 1879, in Cambridge, England, aged 71. Though his premiership was the shortest ever, his role in establishing responsible government was crucial. Sewell Peak in Canterbury and Sewell Street in Hokitika commemorate him, as noted by the Te Ara.

Frequently Asked Questions About Henry Sewell

Why Is Henry Sewell Famous?

New Zealand’s first Prime Minister and architect of responsible government.

How Long Was Sewell Prime Minister?

13 days — 7–20 May 1856.

Where Was Henry Sewell Born?

Isle of Wight, England, September 7, 1807.

What Was the Canterbury Association?

Church of England project that founded Christchurch.

Did Sewell Want to Be Prime Minister?

No — he took the job only to force the Governor to accept responsible government.

Was Sewell Wealthy?

Yes — successful English lawyer before emigrating.

How Did Henry Sewell Die?

Stroke on May 14, 1879, in England, aged 71.