Bruce Davies wrote the book on historic Victoria site Craigdarroch Castle – literally.
Davies, who recently announced his retirement as curator of the historic Victoria site after 50 years working there, penned Craigdarroch Military Hospital: A Canadian War Story. It lays out the fascinating account of the castle’s role as a military hospital for Canada’s injured and disabled veterans of the First World War.
Built by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir during the reign of Queen Victoria the castle gives visitors a glimpse of privileged life in the 1890s.
Davies, has served in a variety of roles at Craigdarroch since joining the team in July 1975 – including executive director – first joining the late James K. Nesbitt, who founded the society in 1959. The now-curator has spent much of the last five decades helping build and maintain relationships with Dunsmuir descendants to help bring the castle stories to life.
“There is so much to be said about Bruce’s contribution to Craigdarroch Castle’s evolution as a historic house museum and a designated National Historic Site,” executive director John Hughes said in a news release.
“I am so very grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from him. He is a thoughtful and patient man who has helped a great many people develop their interest and expertise, be they authors, researchers, or staff. We have all benefited from his knowledge.”
Among the highlights of Davies’ time at Craigdarroch Castle are: taking over the entire castle during the 1980s, when the Victoria Conservatory of Music departed, giving the society access to all the rooms and allowing conservation and restoration of the structure to begin.
In 1992, Davies participated in the process of having Craigdarroch Castle designated as a National Historic Site of Canada. In 1994, his work was invaluable as the society took over ownership of the building from the City of Victoria.
During the early 2000s the Craigdarroch Castle Society acquired additional properties adjacent to the castle, allowing some administration and operational activities to move out of the castle, creating more exhibition space in the museum. One of these acquisitions was the building that eventually became the castle’s visitor centre. In 2018, Davies oversaw the move of the museum’s collections from the castle basement to the new climate controlled rooms in the visitor centre.
Robert and Joan Dunsmuir had two sons, eight daughters and plenty of exploits. The castle weaves a fascinating tale of the family, their achievements, their relationships and even their quirks.
Visit www.thecastle.ca for more information.
