Wentworth, Sir John National Historic Person

Halifax, Nova Scotia
Wentworth was governor of Nova Scotia and an active promoter of consolidating Halifax's control over the province (© courtesy Province of Nova Scotia)
Sir John Wentworth
(© courtesy Province of Nova Scotia)
Address : Barrington Street, north of Bishop Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Recognition Statute: Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date: 1974-05-18
Life Date: 1737 to 1820

Other Name(s):
  • Wentworth, Sir John  (Designation Name)

Importance: Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia (1792-1808), built Government House in Halifax

Plaque(s)


Existing plaque:  Barrington Street, north of Bishop Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Born in New Hampshire, sometime governor of that colony, Wentworth fled his home when the American Revolution erupted. After many vicissitudes he was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia in 1792. A typical conservative of his time, his later years in office were marked by conflict with the Assembly. When war with the United States threatened in 1808 he was replaced with a professional soldier, General George Prevost. He died at Halifax. One of his enduring monuments is Government House which was built to gratify his own sense of propriety and that of his glamorous wife.