Government House (Newfoundland and Labrador) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Government House |
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Rear façade of Government House
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Town or city | 50 Military Road St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Country | Canada |
| Coordinates | 47°34′19″N 52°42′18″W / 47.572053°N 52.704878°W |
| Current tenants | Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Construction started | 1827 |
| Cost | £38,000 |
| Client | The King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (George IV) |
| Owner | The Queen in Right of Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Timber framing and load-bearing masonry |
| Official name: Government House National Historic Site of Canada | |
| Designated: | 1982 |
Government House is the official home of the Lieutenant-Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Lieutenant-Governor is the King's or Queen's representative in the province. This important building was created in the 1820s. At that time, Newfoundland officially became a British colony.
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A Home for the Governor
For a long time, the governors of Newfoundland were naval officers. They lived on their large ships anchored in St. John's harbour. But then, Admiral Richard Edwards thought it would be better for the governor to live on land.
So, the first Government House was built at Fort Townshend. It was finished in 1781. This house was meant to be a summer home. However, it was used all the time until the current building was ready in 1831. People living there often complained about how cold it was in winter. One governor, Francis Pickmore, even died there in the winter of 1818.
Building a Grand New House
The plans for the new Government House were drawn up in England. The officials decided that workers in Newfoundland were too expensive. So, they hired workers from Scotland instead. These Scottish workers arrived in St. John's in April 1827 to start building.
Governor Cochrane wanted a grand, two-storey house with a basement. It was designed in a style called Palladian. When it was finished in 1831, the building cost £38,175. This was five times more than they first expected! That amount would be worth about £2752396.98 today.
The building has a main part in the middle. On each side, there are slightly lower wings. The outside walls are made of rough, red sandstone. This stone came from Signal Hill. The trimmings around the windows and doors are made of special English Portland stone.
Why Was It Built So Grand?
The new Government House was built to show how important the governor was. It also showed that Newfoundland was now a proper British colony. It was a key part of the British Empire.
The main rooms for parties and official events were designed to be very grand. These include a salon, a dining room, and a ballroom. The main entrance hall was also made to allow for important ceremonies and parades. Everything was planned to look impressive and fitting for a governor.
What Happens There Today?
Government House is still the official home of the Lieutenant-Governor. It's also where members of the Canadian Royal Family and important visitors from other countries are welcomed.
Inside the building, there are reception rooms, offices, and other facilities. The Lieutenant-Governor's office is a very important place. This is where new government ministers take their oath of office. It's also where the Lieutenant-Governor gives Royal Assent. This means they approve new laws passed by the government. The Lieutenant-Governor also meets with the Premier of the province here.
Government House has been recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada. This means it's a very important place in Canadian history.
