Government House featured in new book

Government House featured in new book

Launched this month, Government Houses: Vice-Regal Residences of the Crown looks at the histories of more than 50 such buildings in the Commonwealth, the Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories.

Author Jeffrey Hyland, an occasional freelance writer specialising in subjects including British royalty, history, travel and London, was inspired by a visit to Government House in Sydney’s Botanical Gardens in New South Wales, Australia. It led to interest in similar buildings elsewhere, including those in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

‘Government Houses play a central role in the official and ceremonial life of each of these Commonwealth nations and territories, hosting receptions, investitures and formal ceremonies as well as garden parties and charity events.

‘This book explores these unique residences and their relationship with the British Royal Family from the time of Queen Victoria to the present day,’ Mr Hyland said.

Jersey’s Government House narrowly escaped demolition in the 1990s when architectural campaigner Marcus Binney mobilised support in the Island against plans advanced by the States to replace the building – constructed in the early 19th century in the style of Sir John Soane – with a new-build official residence.

Famously, The Queen Mother wrote a letter of support for what she described as a ‘charming and historic’ house, while more than 10,000 Islanders signed a petition to keep the building.

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