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Many Victorians will recognize the iconic landmarks of the Gonzales Heights Observatory and Craigdarroch Castle, but few are likely to be aware of their common history.

Daily weather forecasts for Victoria and Southern British Columbia first began on November 1, 1898 under the direction of meteorologist Edmund Baynes Reed who was joined later by assistant observer and forecaster Francis Napier Denison. They were also responsible for taking readings of the recently installed Milne seismograph, the first seismograph in British Columbia and one of the first routinely operated instruments of its kind in the world.

Baynes Reed died in 1916, and Francis Napier Denison took over as Director of the newly constructed Gonzales Hill Meteorological Observatory of which he had played a prominent role in designing. Numerous papers and articles on weather patterns and seismic observations were published by Denison to scientific journals and societies throughout North America and the

Are you interested in seeing Craigdarroch Castle in a different way? Why not join Curator, Bruce Davies for a benefit dinner November 25th in support of our student programs? The evening begins with a champagne reception and private viewing of select artefacts from our collection followed with a four course wine dinner by culinary educator and award winning Chef, Castro Boateng will follow. Check out the menu on our events and programs page. For more information or to purchase tickets call 250.592.5323.  Seating is limited.

Craigdarroch Castle has been used for entertaining  and teaching since it was built. The Dunsmuir family held weddings here and The British Columbia Home Journal described an 1894 ball at Craigdarroch as “the event of the season” with over 80 people attending. Victoria College Student pep rallies were held in the Billiard Room the Victoria Conservatory of Music held lessons throughout the Castle. These days at Craigdarroch, the Dunsmuir’s Scottish heritage is celebrated at our Robert Burns Day with the address to the Haggis, Bagpipes and Celtic music.   We also offer live