Name/Title
The Moody-Gosset BuildingDescription
Prefabricated metal residential building made in England in 1859. In 1984, through the Provincial Government Heritage Branch, the Saanich Historical Artifacts Society (SHAS) took possession of this 30 foot by 30 foot corrugated iron, timber framed building from the British Columbia Buildings Corporation. Located behind the Queen’s Printers at 563 Superior Street, Victoria, it had been used as a Tinsmith shop, but was scheduled for demolition. Upon examination the Heritage Branch discovered that the building has high heritage value. SHAS was requested to provide a suitable site for its safe keeping, future restoration and interpretation.
The historical significance of this structure cannot be overstated. Four shipping labels from London, addressed to “Colonel Moody, Royal Engineers, British Columbia”, were found within the building, indicating that it had arrived during the late 1850’s. Preliminary research suggests that this structure may be the Hemmings’ Iron House shipped from London by Chief Justice Matthew B. Begbie in care of Colonel Moody in 1859. Subsequently it is probable that Begbie sold the building to Captain William D. Gosset, the first Colonial Treasurer of British Columbia, and that it was erected on land he obtained in 1860 for his residence. Gosset left the Colony in 1862 but the building continued to be used as a private residence and part-time private school until about 1900, when it was acquired by the Province and used for pubic works purposes. This building is one of the few remaining structures from the early Colonial period.
Architecturally it is very significant. Prefabricated wooden framed buildings were first manufactured about 1800. By 1840 galvanized iron could be corrugated, providing increased rigidity. The British pioneered this technology. Iron houses were exported to California for the Gold Rush of 1848, the Crimean War and to outposts of the Empire. About 6 iron houses and one church were shipped to Victoria between 1859 and 1862. This is the only known survivor. Worldwide there are few iron buildings of this vintage in existence. This is an extremely rare and significant artifact.
Emily Carr, the noted Victoria artist, mentions this unusual building in her writings.
