Province House

Province House, on Hollis Street in the downtown area, is the home of the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia.  It is the seat of democracy in Nova Scotia, and the birthplace of Responsible Government in the British Empire.

The cornerstone was laid August 12, 1811, and the building was completed in 1818.  The corner stone was laid by the province's soldier-governor Prevost; his last act in that capacity, in fact.  Built over 8 years during a time of war-induced inflation, with the bill to the province's tax-payers at ₤52,000, some ₤32,000 over budget.

The plan and elevation of Province House was prepared by John Merrick, and it was designed and built by Richard Scott.  Inside Province House, there is a large oak table taken from the HMS Beaufort, the flagship of Col. Edward Cornwallis, the city's founder.  Today, the Cabinet of the government of Nova Scotia meets round this table.

In the south yard of Province House is the statue of journalist and politician Joseph Howe (left).  In the north yard, is the city's Boer War monument (above).