Beasley in Hamilton, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
John Weir Foote Armoury/ Le Manège Militaire John Weir Foote Armoury
The north section of this building (1887-1888) is a rare surviving example of the second wave of armoury construction in Canada. Designed by Henry James, it exemplifies the replacement of earlier wooden drill sheds with substantial brick structures. They provided increased security for arms storage and underlined the importance of city militia units as the country's first line of defence. The south section (1908), designed by Stewart and Whitton, reflects a subsequent phase of construction and militia reforms, which encouraged the increasing effectiveness of Canada's expanding armed forces.
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and Parks Canada
LE MANÈGE MILITAIRE
JOHN WEIR FOOTE ARMOURY
L'aile nord de cet édifice (1887-1888) est l'un des rares bâtiments existants issus de la deuxième vague de construction de manèges militaires au pays. Dessinée par Henry James, elle témoigne du remplacement des anciens hangars d'exercice en bois par de grands bâtiments de brique. Entrepôts plus sécuritaires pour les armes, ceuxci soulignaient en outre l'importance des unités de milice urbaines comme première ligne de défense du pays. L'aile sud (1908), conçue par Stewart et Whitton, se rattache à une phase subséquente de construction et de réformes de la milice qui augmentèrent l'efficacité des forces armées du Canada, alors en expansion.
Commission des lieux et monuments historiques du Canada et Parcs Canada
Erected by Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada And Parks Canada.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board, and the Victoria Cross and George Cross Recipients series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.
Location. 43° 15.716′ N, 79° 52.002′ W. Marker is in Hamilton, Ontario. It is in Beasley. It is on James Street North 0.1 kilometers north of Cannon Street East, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 James St N, Hamilton ON L8R 2L1, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe, in the Hamilton-Halton-Brant Area, and specifically in the Toronto Metropolitan Area. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Rupert’s Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The North Drill Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Lieutenant Charles Davidson Dunbar, D.C.M. (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lieutenant-Colonel John Weir Foote, VC CD Armoury (within shouting distance of this marker); 91st Regiment Canadian Highlanders Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Acting Sergeant John Rennie, G.C. 1919-1943 (within shouting distance of this marker); Christ’s Church Cathedral / La Cathédrale de l’Eglise du Christ (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Christ’s Church Cathedral (about 150 meters away); St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hamilton.
Also see . . .
1. Royal Canadian Legion- Lt. Col. W. Foote VC CD.
Lt. Col. Foote is the only member of the Canadian Chaplain Services ever to be awarded the Victoria Cross. Before his death he donated his Victoria Cross, and other medals to the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry.(Submitted on March 24, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)
2. Historicpalces.ca John Weir Foote Armoury National Historic Site. The armoury now serves as headquarters for the 11th Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery; the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry; the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s); and the 705 Communications Squadron. Originally called the James Street Armoury, the building was renamed the John W. Foote VC Armoury in memory of Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel John Weir Foote VC, CD. (Submitted on March 24, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 368 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 24, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.



