Office of the Governor General
In 1859, the Governor General was the representative of the imperial
Government of Britain, and was actively involved in affairs of state.
When the East Block was designed in 1859, the role of the Governor General
was very different than it is today. The Governor was the representative
of the Imperial Government of Britain, and was actively involved in affairs
of state.
A special entrance with a porte cochère marks the centre of the
building facing the lawn. This entrance and the stairway inside were for
the exclusive use of the Governor General and visiting royalty. The stairs
were covered in rich red carpet, a symbol of prestige. The office is located
above the entrance, part of a suite of rooms for the Governor and his
staff.
The office itself is large, but not as large as those designed for Ministers
of the Crown. Each of the rooms in the East Block was designed and decorated
to reflect the stature of its occupant. The higher up you were in the
government, the larger your office and the fancier the carvings were on
the door. Wide complicated mouldings around the ceiling and stained glass
in the windows were reserved for the most prestigious offices.
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