History of Government House
The cornerstone of Government House was laid on September 11, 1800 with many notables present for this most pleasing occasion in the history of Nova Scotia. Musicians played fitting airs such as "God Save the King" and "Rule Britannia" and led a procession from old Government House (where Province House now stands) to the new site in what was then considered the "south-suburbs" of Halifax.
The lot was originally purchased for a new Province House but was deemed too far out of town for public offices. The tranquil setting would be more suitable for a new Government House, built to face Hollis Street and the harbour and backing onto Pleasant (later Barrington) Street.
Governor Sir John Wentworth, who had ordered the construction, laid the cornerstone. The parchment placed in the stone was inscribed: "Deo Favente" - With the Favour of God.
Wentworth, formerly Governor of New Hampshire, came to Halifax during the American Revolutionary War with his charming wife, Lady Frances. He was accustomed to stately homes and luxurious surroundings and made a strong and controversial case to erect a fine residence, second to none on the North American continent, for the Crown's representative.
The design of the mansion emulates classical traditions that were popular in England during the late eighteenth century. It is assumed the design elements for the front and rear elevations were taken from a book of house plans published in 1795 by George Richardson, who had worked in the London office of the famous Scottish architects, Robert and James Adam.
The interior was designed to serve both as a residence for the governor, his family and servants and to accommodate state functions. Included was a ballroom, drawing room and dining room for formal entertaining.
Of the many decorative details incorporated throughout the mansion, the most exquisite were the fine marble fireplaces imported from London. While the decorations may have seemed restrained by European standards, Nova Scotia had no equal in design and decoration.
Government House is truly a Nova Scotian creation with building materials from around the province used extensively, including:
- stone from Pictou, Antigonish, Cape Breton, Lunenburg, Lockeport, Antigonish, Bedford Basin and the North West Arm;
- pine from the Annapolis Valley, Tatamagouche and Cornwallis;
- sand from Shelburne, Eastern Passage and McNamara's Island; and
- bricks from Dartmouth.
Imported materials included lime and lumber from New Brunswick, lead, large bricks and marble from England and slate from Scotland.
During the construction phase, there were a number of devastating fires around the city. This made fire-proofing Government House a particular concern for Wentworth and he made a case for investment in suitable protection. These precautions proved effective in 1854 when a fire that destroyed the central part of the roof and attic was contained.
The Wentworths took occupancy, with much pride, in 1805 long before the house was completely finished. More than 200 years later the most outstanding Georgian mansion in the province and the oldest vice-regal residence on the continent stands stately on Barrington Street just south of Spring Garden Road.
While the main approach from Barrington Street may conceal some of the intended grandeur of the front elevation, the pleasing symmetry remains with semi-circular wings on either side of the porch. An outstanding example of classical design, it well deserves its status as a National Historic site.
Government House has been home and office to each succeeding lieutenant governor since Wentworth. It has served as the venue for official events with many thousands of people attending functions each year.
Extensive renovations to Government House are now underway. It is planned that Her Honour, the Honourable, Mayann Francis will take residency in December 2008. Meanwhile, this renewal period offers an opportunity to enjoy other venues across Nova Scotia for special events and functions hosted by the Lieutenant Governor.
You can take a (pre-renovation) online tour of Government House in the Photo Gallery.
