Here we have a view of the Abbey Ruins at the Mackenzie King Estate. This was a masterpiece by Mackenzie King in erecting a folly, and its stones tell their own stories.
This first section is full of history. The crest came from a former speaker of the British House of Commons. The mantle beneath it was salvaged from the original Centre Block after the 1916 fire. And the stones contained within it are a personal touch by Mackenzie King. They're from the building that housed the original printing presses of his maternal grandfather- William Lyon Mackenzie.
Another section of the Abbey.
Embedded here is a stone tablet bearing the Arms of England. This entire section consists of pieces salvaged from the old Centre Block- symbolism of the stones of Canada surrounding a part of the mother country.
This particular section was taken from a home that was being demolished. Mackenzie King liked the classical feeling of it.
Mmm this is interesting. I drive past a country estate which has something like this. I thought they just run out of energy to finish it off, but perhaps it is meant to look like a ruin.
ReplyDeleteThese ruins look so gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteMakes me appreciate all the more the master masons who helped create these.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beauty. Mackenzie King sure had a good taste.
ReplyDeleteSad they are but ruins, yet good they still stand.
ReplyDelete...I remember this too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place, lovely photos. Take care, have a happy day and a great new week!
ReplyDeleteI hope to see that property one day! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI’ve never visited, but this is pretty interesting.
ReplyDelete@Joan: this was meant to be as is.
ReplyDelete@roentare: they do indeed.
@revrunner: stonemasons do amazing work.
@Jan: he certainly did.
@Iris: that's the idea.
@Tom: that was a good visit.
@Eileen: thank you.
@Marie: yes it is.
@Anvilcloud: you should see it for yourself.
Makes for an interesting walk through
ReplyDeleteIt does.
DeleteI love those follies. The whole place would be a wonderful place to stay for a while.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the visit.
DeleteWhat a beautiful and interesting place for walking.
ReplyDeleteIt is.
DeleteThe catholic are like the Romans, they build everywhere the same abbeys, churches, etc. I couldn't say in which continent or country I am when I see a church, lol !
ReplyDeleteAnd yet he was a Presbyterian.
DeleteAnother great place to explore.
ReplyDeleteThat it is.
DeleteFascinating ruins and great photos~
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Thanks!
DeleteSuch a beautiful place, a walk among the ruins would be grand.
ReplyDeleteVery much so.
DeleteA place for meditation too...
ReplyDeleteThat it is.
DeleteThese are absolutely magnificent.
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
DeleteIt looks a lovely place, great collection of photographs William.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thank you!
DeleteGreat photos!
ReplyDeleteThey are.
DeleteThe Abbey is exceptionally beautiful and I appreciate your detail in telling us about the history of some of the symbols.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Delete