Rideau Hall

Exterior Entrance to Rideau Hall
Source: Library and Archives Canada
Credit: William James Topley
Item ID number: 3325583

During the period in my novel Rideau Hall, the Governor General’s residence, would reach the height of its glory as the centre of political and social life in Ottawa.

When Prince Albert, the Duke of Connaught, was named Governor General of Canada, in 1909, he continued the tradition of holding numerous social events at Rideau Hall such as state dinners, garden parties, costume balls, dance recitals, musical soirees, and theatre productions.

During the winter the Governor Generals and their families enjoyed popular winters sports such as skating, hockey, tobogganing, and skiing on the grounds of Rideau Hall. I had one scene, which didn’t make it into my novel, where Katherine MacNutt and Count Jaggi, attended a skating party hosted by the Connaughts.

Governor General’s had a lasting impact on the sporting life in Canada. The Grey Cup donated by Governor General Lord Grey and the Stanley Cup named after Governor General Lord Stanley are major trophies still being contested today.

History

In 1835, Thomas McKay, an Ottawa stone mason and businessman, had a 11 room stone villa built for his wife and family. The 1,000 acre property was just a few minutes east of Parliament Hill.

In 1864, the Canadian government leased the house and 79 acres as temporary accommodation for the first Governor General of Canada, Lord Monk.

Over the decades many renovations were made to Rideau Hall by the Canadian government and the Governor Generals, sometimes out of their own pockets. The new construction and additions were designed to suit the Governor Generals’ duties and their family needs.

The entrance hall to Rideau Hall
Source: Library and Archives Canada
Credit: William James Topley
Item ID number: 3210919

Architecture

Rideau Hall is fashioned after an English estate with pastoral open spaces, natural woodland, and walking paths. Since 1835, Rideau Hill has grown from its original 11 rooms to 179 room historic designated building.

Some of the additions made were:

In 1864, to accommodate Lord Monk', the new Governor-General, family and his staff:
- A long two storey wing was added at the back of the villa.
- A brick gate house and wrought iron fence was erected at the main gate.
- A cricket field was laid out on one of the lawns and a 2 mile foot path was cut throughout the trees that surrounded the property.

Dining Room at Rideau Hall
Source: Library and Archives Canada
Credit: William James Topley
Item ID number: 3210919

In 1870, the Ball Room and the multi-purpose Tent Room were added to entertain the general public. The Tent Room could be converted into a indoor tennis court or into a reception hall.
In 1890’s, Lord Minto added outdoor and indoor skating rinks and curling rinks to compliment the toboggan run. The Minto wing was added to the main house for more living space.
In 1913, Royal Coat of Arms was added to Rideau Hall’s exterior main entrance. In the same year, Rideau Hall became the official residence of the Governor General.