Posts Tagged Churches

Photo Credit: Laura Waldie

I was emailed today with what I thought was a neat question. Derek from St. John’s asked me “What building is in your gravatar? It looks quite old.” It is an old building actually. Well, old by Canadian standards I suppose. It is the Black Swan Guesthouse on Peasholme Green in York, England. It was built in 1417 for William Bowes who became Lord Mayor of York that same year. The Bowes went on to make quite a name for themselves as a family of goldsmiths to the Tudor Kings and Queens and William’s son Martin became Lord Mayor of London. Martin was also an advid heritage conservationist! He intervened in the proposed demolition of several medieval churches in York, including St. Cuthbert’s and the York Rectory, by arguing that these buildings were still in great shape and were links to the City’s historic past and should be saved. He then went on to restore the Church so it could be passed down to us in good condition today. But the real reason I use this building pictured above as my gravatar is its Canadian connections…. (more…)

Photo Credit: Laura Waldie

One of the things that impressed me the most about Guelph, Ontario was the abundance of mid to late nineteenth century limestone buildings. A person who is interested in Canadian architectural history and heritage planning would feel like they were walking through a candy shop as they explored these beautiful streets! Every corner you turn, you will see a beautiful home, or business, that has been lovingly maintained and cared for. Of the many limestone buildings in Guelph, the one that attracts the most visitors every year is the Church of Our Lady Immaculate, that is perched high on the hill on the corner of Macdonnell and Norfolk streets. Its history is amazing and architecturally, it is one of the finest examples of the French Gothic Revival style for places of worship in all of Canada.  (more…)