Remembering the 'Ratz'

Agnes Cerajeski

This GNS Campus celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. Before it was a school, it was the residence of Victoria’s most pre-eminent and storied architect, Francis Rattenbury (behind the Empress Hotel, Government House, and B.C. Legislature Building).

Built in 1898 as lechinihl (from FN's “a place where good things happen”), it wasn't to be. Both attracted a strong taint of scandal. Also known as ‘The Ratz’, he was an arrogant, corrupt man driven to success at all costs, with ruined lives around him.

Under multiple government investigations with complaints of theft and corruption, to lining his pockets and stealing materials to construct his own home. Investigation focused on the blue-gray granite blocks and marble fireplace custom-manufactured in England that was installed in Rattenbury’s home.

He attracted so much scandal for his personal and professional life that clients shunned him and his practice become dormant. With his social standing and career in tatters, he moved back to England and was murdered.

So next time you're walking by this idyllic shoreline setting, remember it wasn’t always the lechinihl it's now.