The Queen's Gates are the main Wellington Street entrance to Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Rising behind the gates is Centre Block, the main building of the parliamentary complex on Parliament Hill. The principal components of Centre Block are the main body, with Peace Tower at the front (south side), and the Library of Parliament at the rear (north, or Ottawa River side).
The original Victorian High Gothic style Centre Block, constructed between 1859 and 1866, was almost entirely destroyed by fire in 1916. Only the Library of Parliament survived the inferno.
Efforts to rebuild Centre Block began immediately and, by 1920, the present-day Centre Block was completed and ready for occupancy. The building was designed by Jean Omer Marchand and John A. Pearson in Gothic Revival style. Peace Tower at the front of Centre Block is an addition, also designed by Marchand and Pearson, that was completed in 1926. This bell and clock tower includes a carillon and observation deck.
The Centre Block contains the Senate and Commons chambers, as well as the offices of the prime minister, the leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition, and the offices of other party leaders, as well as senators, ministers, and commons staff.
Tags: Parliament Hill The Hill Crown Land Parliament of Canada Capital City Government Buildings National Capital Ottawa Ontario ON Canada Architecture Architectural Style Gothic Revival Architect Jean Omer Marchand John A. Pearson Centre Block Peace Tower Library of Parliament myoldpostcards von Liski Queen's Gates
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One of the four non-functional gargoyles atop Peace Tower, which sits at the front (south side) of Centre Block, the main building of the parliamentary complex on Parliament Hill. The gargoyle shown does not catch rainwater and throw it clear of the tower. It has, however, been very effective at warding off evil.
Peace Tower was a 1926 addition to the second Centre Block, which was completed in 1920 and replaced the original Centre Block destroyed by fire in 1916.
Seen just below the clock face are the windows of a public observatory offering spectacular views of the city.
Tags: Parliament Hill The Hill Crown Land Parliament of Canada Capital City Government Buildings National Capital Ottawa Ontario ON Canada Architecture Architectural Style Gothic Revival Architect John A. Pearson Jean-Omer Marchand Peace Tower Tower of Victory and Peace Centre Block myoldpostcards von Liski Bell Tower Clock Tower Observation Deck Sculpture Gargoyle
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Peace Tower is located at the front (south side) of Centre Block, which is the main building of the parliamentary complex on Parliament Hill. The tower was added in 1926, six years after the completion of the second Centre Block, which replaced the original building after it was destroyed by fire in 1916. This view of the upper portion of the structure shows the bell and clock tower, which includes a carillon and observation deck.
Tags: Parliament Hill The Hill Crown Land Parliament of Canada Capital City Government Buildings National Capital Ottawa Ontario ON Canada Architecture Architectural Style Gothic Revival Architect John A. Pearson Jean-Omer Marchand Peace Tower Tower of Victory and Peace Centre Block myoldpostcards von Liski Bell Tower Clock Tower Observation Deck
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One of the four non-functional gargoyles atop Peace Tower, which sits at the front (south side) of Centre Block, the main building of the parliamentary complex on Parliament Hill. The gargoyle shown does not catch rainwater and throw it clear of the tower. It has, however, been very effective at warding off evil.
Peace Tower was a 1926 addition to the second Centre Block, which was completed in 1920 and replaced the original Centre Block destroyed by fire in 1916.
Tags: Parliament Hill The Hill Crown Land Parliament of Canada Capital City Government Buildings National Capital Ottawa Ontario ON Canada Architecture Architectural Style Gothic Revival Architect John A. Pearson Jean-Omer Marchand Peace Tower Tower of Victory and Peace Centre Block myoldpostcards von Liski Bell Tower Clock Tower Observation Deck Sculpture Gargoyle
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A view of the Senate Chamber in Centre Block. At the rear room is the speaker's chair, which sits on a raised platform. The thrones behind the speaker's chair is used by the Sovereign or Governor General. The gallery above is one of the two public galleries at opposite ends of the room.
The 105 members of the Senate are seated along the sides of the Chamber.
In the center of the room are three tables or desks. The large table, located in front of the Speaker's chair, is where the Clerk of the Senate and Clerk of the Parliaments sit. The smaller desks in the center are used by parliamentary staff who record the senate debates.
Tags: Parliament Hill The Hill Crown Land Parliament of Canada Capital City Government Buildings National Capital Canada Centre Block Senate Chamber Ottawa Ontario ON myoldpostcards von Liski
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