Canada House - History

History

The building which would later become known as Canada House was built between 1824 and 1827 to designs by Sir Robert Smirke, the architect of the British Museum. It was originally used by the Union Club and the Royal College of Physicians. The Canadian government acquired the building in 1923. Renovations were supervised by Septimus Warwick. The building was officially opened on June 29, 1925 by King George V and Queen Mary along with several British prime ministers, past and present, and other dignitaries.

During the London Blitz a bomb fell near the building, only 20 yards (18 m) away from future Canadian prime minister Lester B. Pearson who was the secretary to the high commissioner at the time. Also during the war Canada House became a popular hangout for Canadian troops in London, as it was home of the "Beaver Club", famous for its doughnuts.

In 1960s Canada greatly increased its presence, acquiring the future Macdonald House in 1961 and expanding Canada House in 1963.

In 1993 Canada House was closed by the Canadian government as a cost-cutting measure with the intention of selling it. A change of government in Canada saw this decision reversed and renovations were planned instead, beginning in 1997. The building was officially reopened by Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of Canada in May 1998. To commemorate the reopening, a detachment from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry came to London and mounted the Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace.