Description of Historic Place

Jebb’s Redoubt is located in the north ditch of the Citadel, directly behind the North Ravelin in the Citadel of Quebec. Jebb’s Redoubt is a formidable looking two-storey polygonal, angled structure of solid masonry construction. Loopholes and windows pierce the walls, which rise smoothly above the terrace roof at the top of the building. Embrasures, or gun ports, break the parapet of the narrow eastern and western elevations. A door pierces the narrow eastern elevation and also the south side opposite the sallyport, or door, of the north curtain wall. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

Jebb’s Redoubt is a Classified Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations and architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value
Jebb’s Redoubt is one of the best examples of a structure built during the British period and associated with the theme of the defence of Canada from the threat of American invasion. It is the only redoubt built at the Citadel under the British. Its original construction, the subsequent economic benefits, and the resulting influx of personnel had a significant impact on the city of Quebec.

Architectural Value:
Jebb’s Redoubt is a very good example of a specialized defensive military structure integral to the Citadel of Quebec. It was built to protect the north ditch by means of artillery fire. Its shape reflects the site topography and the strategic requirements of the building. Its specialized features, solid construction techniques and its use of materials express its excellent functional design. It exhibits very good quality craftsmanship with solidly built interior spaces.

Environmental Value:
As an integral component of the Citadel of Quebec, although subject to change, the site of the Former Commissariat has retained its character. The Former Powder magazine reinforces the present character of the coastal defence and military setting of the Citadel and is well known to residents of the Citadel.



Sources:
Rhona Goodspeed, Quebec Citadel, Quebec, Quebec. Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office Report 88-161
Jebb’s Redoubt, (Building No.13), Sergeant’s Mess, The Citadel, Quebec, Quebec.
Heritage Character Statement 88-161

Character-Defining Elements

The following character-defining elements of the Former Commissariat should be respected, for example:

Its functional military defence design and good quality materials and craftsmanship as evidenced in
The low, plain, polygonal massing and solid masonry construction. The flat roof and roof porch over the staircase from the interior. The parapet, and banquette, or stone bench, covered with metal siding. The embrasures over the narrow west and east elevations and the doors piercing the eastern and southern elevations. The interior brick vaulting, stone walls and cast iron mantelpiece.

The manner in which Jebb’s Redoubt reinforces the military character of the Citadel of Quebec.

Heritage Character Statement

Disclaimer - The heritage character statement was developed by FHBRO to explain the reasons for the designation of a federal heritage building and what it is about the building that makes it significant (the heritage character). It is a key reference document for anyone involved in planning interventions to federal heritage buildings and is used by FHBRO in their review of interventions.

Jebb’s Redoubt was constructed in 1849-1850 from plans prepared by the Corps of Royal Engineers. In 1855-1856, a roof was added to protect the building from water infiltration. The Redoubt was converted to a Sergeants’ Mess in 1951 and is still used for that purpose today. As part of the conversion, the roof was demolished, and the original cavalier was modified to accommodate a patio. The interior was also adapted to the needs of the new users. The Redoubt is located in the north ditch of the Citadel, directly behind the North Ravelin. It is part of the Citadel of Québec, a National Historic Site. The building is owned by the Department of National Defence. See FHBRO Report 88-161.

Reasons for Designation

Jebb’s Redoubt has been designated “Classified” because of its historical, architectural and environmental significance.
The solid masonry structure is directly associated with the defence of North America during the period from 1839 to 1857, one of the highlights of which was the completion of the Citadel. It is the only redoubt built at the Citadel of Québec under the British Regime. In addition to contributing to the defence of the fortress, Jebb’s Redoubt served as living quarters for soldiers, an indication of its important role in the social life of this self-sufficient military community.
Jebb’s Redoubt, an imposing, two-storey, masonry structure, is solid and formidable in character. Most of the essential features of a redoubt are still evident on the exterior, such as the forbidding appearance, the loopholes and the embrasures. It was built to cover the north ditch with artillery fire, and its shape reflects the irregular topography of the site and the strategic requirements of the building. Its good condition is attributable to the restoration work that was done in the 1950s.

Jebb’s Redoubt is a major defining element of the historical and military character of the north section of the fortress. Because of its design and materials, it blends in very well with the other defensive works nearby, which include Jebb’s Réduit and the North Ravelin.

Character Defining Elements

The heritage character of Jebb’s Redoubt resides in its architectural design, the elements related to its dual function and its relationship with the buildings and other defensive works located in that part of the fortress.

The defensive function of Jebb’s Redoubt is reflected in the way it was constructed. The building is a solid masonry structure pierced with loopholes, and has vaulted ceilings inside. The redoubt is polygonal - a portion of the ravelin had to be removed in order to build it. Its high walls of smooth limestone (regular bond) rise above the terrace roof; on the short elevations, the parapet is broken by embrasures. The door on the south side, directly opposite the sallyport of the north curtain wall, gave soldiers easy access to the redoubt from inside the Citadel. Several of the windows reflect the “housing” function of the Redoubt; unfortunately, some of those windows were installed in place of the old loopholes. The few remaining original ornamental elements are the voussoirs above the small-pane windows and the band course (hidden by a metal flashing).

These features define the heritage character of the Redoubt and should be preserved. The method used to seal the roof should not undermine the original appearance. Ideally, the band course would be exposed and the metal flashings made less visible. It is also recommended that all metal elements be protected from corrosion. New joints and replacement stones should be made to blend seamlessly into the texture of the exterior and interior walls so as to respect the integrity of the historical character. It is also recommended that the original design and material of the doors, windows and iron hardware be respected in the interest of historical consistency. Finally, the building envelope should not be damaged when mechanical systems are installed; it is recommended that stand-alone elements compatible with the structure be chosen.

Inside, some original vaults and several exposed stone walls can still be seen despite the fact the building was adapted for new uses in the 1950s. Ideally, those architectural features would be preserved along with all the old decorative elements (such as the cast iron mantlepiece) that enhance the historical appeal of the site. Lighting and heating fixtures should be in keeping with the style and integrity of the building.

The heritage character of Jebb’s Redoubt also resides in its relationship with the nearby buildings and defensive works, which include the sight line across the ditch on either side of the structure. Landscaping, outdoor furnishings and small service buildings that would diminish visitors’ understanding of that relationship should therefore be kept to a minimum. The position of the door of the building relative to the sallyport should also be respected, because it is an integral part of the original design. To preserve the integrity of the building and the site, signage should not be mounted directly on the building.