Downtown in Victoria in Capital, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)
Sir Matthew Baillie Begbie
1819 – 1894
[English]
Begbie practised [sic] law in England for fourteen years before his appointment in 1858 as the first judge of the mainland Colony of British Columbia. During the gold rush, he won the respect of lawless miners of the Fraser River and Cariboo regions. In 1869, after the union of Vancouver Island and British Columbia, he was named Chief Justice of the mainland; in 1870, of the whole Colony; and in 1871, of the Province. He presided in this building, erected in 1889. His 36 years of fearless and impartial service made a lasting contribution to the administration of justice in the Pacific region of Canada.
[French]
Begbie exerça sa profession de juriste en Angleterre pendant quatorze ans, avant d’ètre nomméé, en 1858, premier juge de la colonie continentale de Columbie-Britannique. Au cors de la ruée sur lor, il gagna le respect des mineurs insoumis de la vallée du Fraser et de la région de Cariboo. Après l’union des colonies de l’ile de Vancouver et de la Colombie-Britannique, il fut nommé premier magistrat de la partie continentale en 1869, de la colonie entière en 1870, puis de la province en 1871. L’impartialité dont il fit preuve pendant ses trente-six ans de service a marqué l’administration de lajustice sur la côte ouest du Canada, Jusqu’à sa mort, il remplit se fonctions dans cet édifice, érige en 1889.
Erected by
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.
Location. 48° 25.553′ N, 123° 22.143′ W. Marker is in Victoria, British Columbia, in Capital. It is in Downtown. Marker can be reached from Langley Street. This marker is located on #28 Bastion Square, the B.C. Maritime Museum. Bastion Square is located between Wharf and Government Streets at the foot of View Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 28 Bastion Square, Victoria BC V8W 1H9, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Former Victoria Law Courts (here, next to this marker); Boomerang Court and Chancery Lane (a few steps from this marker); Mizzen Mast – H.M.S. Algerine (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bell Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); The Signing Post (within shouting distance of this marker); Amor De Cosmos, 1825-1897 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bank Building (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Fort Victoria (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Victoria.
Also see . . . Matthew Baillie Begbie - Wikipedia. (Submitted on November 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Additional keywords. justice
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 703 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.