Description: This branch of the Howitt Family was headed by noted botanist and entomologist, Godfrey Howitt, MD, uncle to the ethnographer and explorer, Alfred Howitt and Godfrey's wife, Phoebe, nee Bakewell. The Howitt family, including a nephew and his wife's brothers arrived at Port Phillip in the ship 'Lord Goderich' in April 1840. Godfrey Howitt erected the prefabricated wooden cottage he had brought from England. By 1845, his land extended from Collins Street to Flinders Lane, with a frontage to Spring Street, including a large garden. He also had pastoral interests near Yea and Cape Schanck and a farm at Caulfield. From early days, Godfrey Howitt was associated with the Melbourne Hospital. In 1847, he became President and Honorary Physician of the Melbourne Benevolent Asylum and joined the new Port Phillip Medical Association. From 1853-1871, Godfrey Howitt served on the Council of the University of Melbourne and on the Medical School Committee. Between 1854-55, he was first vice-president of the Philosophical Society of Victoria and a member of its successor, the Royal Society of Victoria, from 1859-68.