Government House (Prince Edward Island) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Government House |
|
|---|---|
Fanningbank
|
|
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Palladian Georgian |
| Town or city | 1 Terry Fox Drive Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island |
| Country | Canada |
| Coordinates | 46°13′52″N 63°08′10″W / 46.231168°N 63.136148°W |
| Construction started | 1834 |
| Client | The King of the United Kingdom (William IV) |
| Owner | The Queen in Right of Prince Edward Island (Elizabeth II) |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Timber framing |
| Official name: Government House National Historic Site of Canada | |
| Designated: | 1971-05-27 |
| Reference #: | 578 |
| Official name: Government House | |
| Type: | Provincial Designated Heritage Place |
| Designated: | 2001-10-26 |
| Reference #: | 3243 |
| Official name: Government House | |
| Type: | Heritage Resource (Charlottetown) |
| Designated: | 1979-10-26 |
| Reference #: | 3375 |
Government House of Prince Edward Island is a very important building. It is also known as Fanningbank. This building is the official home for the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island. The Lieutenant Governor is the King or Queen's representative in the province.
You can find Government House in Charlottetown, at 1 Terry Fox Drive. While similar buildings in other provinces are often in the very center of the city, this one is a bit more hidden. It feels more like a private home than a grand public building.
A Look Back: History of Government House
Government House was built a long time ago, between 1832 and 1834. It was made to be the home for the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island. Back then, Prince Edward Island was a British colony.
The land for the house was set aside in 1789 by Lieutenant Governor Edmund Fanning. It was a large piece of land, about 100 acres, called Fanning Bank. He said it had to be used for the governor's home.
Later, in 1873, about 10 acres of this land were kept for Government House and its gardens. The rest of the land, 40 acres, was given to the City of Charlottetown. This land later became Victoria Park, a popular spot today.
Because of its importance, Government House was named a National Historic Site of Canada in 1971. This means it's a special place that helps tell Canada's story.
What Happens at Government House?
Government House is a busy place! When members of the Canadian Royal Family visit, they are often welcomed and sometimes stay here. Important visitors from other countries also come to Government House.
Many special events happen here. For example, provincial awards are given out. People are also welcomed into the Order of Prince Edward Island, which is a big honor. The house also hosts lunches, dinners, parties, and speeches.
This royal home is also where the Lieutenant Governor does important government work. They officially start elections by "dropping the writs of election." They also swear in new members of the Executive Council of Prince Edward Island, who help run the province. The Lieutenant Governor also meets with the Premier of Prince Edward Island, who is the head of the provincial government.
The Queen owns the property, but it is managed by the government of Prince Edward Island. During the summer, parts of Government House are sometimes open for the public to visit.
Inside and Out: Architecture and Design
Government House is built mostly of wood. Its design style is called Georgian, which was popular a long time ago. It also has some features from the Palladian style.
When you enter the house, you'll find a main entrance hall. This hall has special columns called Doric columns and flat, decorative columns called pilasters. A grand staircase goes up to the second floor.
The building was designed by an architect named Isaac Smith from Yorkshire. He also designed another important building on the Island, the Colonial Building.
