Adams Ritchie House

Reason for registration

oldest (1712-13) known building in English Canada with documented evidence of its date of construction; was the residence and place of business of the first important resident merchant in English Canada, John Adams; is the oldest extant building in English Canada associated with government; and was the birthplace (1808) of a father of Confederation, John William Ritchie.

Character-defining elements

Character-defining elements of the Adams-Ritchie House relating to its Georgian style include:

- positioning on and setback from St. George Street;
- form and massing of the building;
- symmetrical positioning of windows on front façade;
- fanlight windows over central front door and in north-east gable;
- massive timber framing;
- wattle and daub infill remaining in some of the first storey walls;
- late eighteenth century replica wooden clapboard;
- late eighteenth century replica wooden windows;
- late eighteenth century replica wooden cornerboards and watertable;
- late eighteenth century replica wooden entry door and surround.