Just after the Conquest, the British authorities had to decide what would serve as barracks for their soldiers deployed in the city. In 1759, they requisitioned the Collège des Jésuits (now the Hôtel de Ville [city hall]), which they occupied until the troops left in 1871. Two neighbouring barracks also housed English troops.

1806 - 1840

Buildings as power symbols

In Québec City, like in all the world’s capitals, religious and political authorities used buildings to symbolize their power. There is, however, a distinctive feature of Québec City that makes it architecturally unique. Over the course of the city’s history, French and British influences have commingled, forming an ensemble of buildings unlike anywhere else. This album presents buildings—some French, some English—that played a part in the city’s history in the early 19th century. Admire these buildings through the works of the era’s great artists.

The Jesuit barracks, in 1829

James Pattison Cockburn Just after the Conquest, the British authorities had to decide what would serve as barracks for their soldiers deployed in the city. In 1759, they requisitioned the Collège des Jésuits (now the Hôtel de Ville [city hall]), which they occupied until the troops left in 1871. Two neighbouring barracks also housed English troops.

Chronoscope What do you notice in this scene? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1829

Source: Library and Archives Canada Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Acc. No. R9266-150 - Peter Winkworth Collection of Canadiana - Date: 1829

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