Illustrated here by the British artist Cockburn, Palace Gate has a fascinating story. It once enclosed the Saint-Nicolas district, including the residences of the Intendant’s Palace. This area of town, illustrated in the background, takes its name from the Saint-Nicolas Chapel built by the Recollect religious order. Today, this district is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Québec but not its gate, which was demolished in 1873.

1829 - 1834

The rampart gates of Québec City in the early 19th century

Building began on Québec City’s fortifications in 1690 under the French Regime. The French sought to surround the town with ramparts to protect it from the British. The British indeed invaded Québec City in 1759. They too recognized the fortifications’ strategic value and subsequently rebuilt them. By the 19th century, Québec City residents were well accustomed to living with this military inheritance. The rampart gates were simply a part of their daily surroundings. Explore the works reflecting this period!

Palace Gate

James Pattison Cockburn Illustrated here by the British artist Cockburn, Palace Gate has a fascinating story. It once enclosed the Saint-Nicolas district, including the residences of the Intendant’s Palace. This area of town, illustrated in the background, takes its name from the Saint-Nicolas Chapel built by the Recollect religious order. Today, this district is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Québec but not its gate, which was demolished in 1873.

Chronoscope What do you think is happening in this piece? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1829

Source: Library and Archives Canada Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Acc. No. R9266-118 - Peter Winkworth Collection of Canadiana - Date: 1829

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