Cathedral Square has been an important focus for the people of Christchurch and Canterbury since the beginning of the Province in 1850. The aim of this thesis is to trace its architectural development as an urban space from 1850 to 1974. From the viewpoint of architectural history, Cathedral Square can be divided into three aspects: the Cathedral which has had pride of place since its completion in 1904, the wall which defines the Square with its buildings, and the intervening space between the Cathedral and the wall, which has been the domain of the people. This thesis considers the relationship of these three main factors to the evolution of the urban space and its townscape, together with their impact on the social and cultural life of the city and its people.