The Sun Life Building: The Secret Hiding Place of the British Crown Jewels

Montreal, QC - EvilGentleman - Monday, March 12th, 2007 : goo

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Some buildings have quite the history attached to them. Such is the case with the historic Sun Life Building in Montreal, which dominated the Montreal skyline from the 1930's to the 1960's but is now dwarfed by its neighbours.

Some of the history is available here Sun Life Building and here www.sunlifebuilding-montreal.com/history/. Most notable about the building's history is how its vaults were used to store the wealth of many European nations during World War II, particularly the United Kingdom. Long believed to be among the items stored in the cavernous vaults of the third sub-basement were the British Crown Jewels. Such a risky move was only undertaken due to fears of Nazi Germany taking over England, or perhaps the fear of the Tower of London being bombed by the Luftwaffe.

The photo above is from a tourism plaque erected by the City of Montreal. I like the photo with the dirigible.

The plaque above commemorates the founding of the Sun Life Insurance Company in Montreal during the 1800's. Unfortunately, Sun Life chose to leave Montreal for Toronto in 1978, due to the passing of Quebec's draconian language laws, as well as the financial insecurity caused by the fear of Quebec separation.

One of the cornerstones of the building, related to a 1923 expansion. Mary Queen of the World Cathedral lies in the background.

The street rarely sees the sun anymore, and the view of the Sun Life Building is obscured by the new buildings next door, but it is still quite a sight.

I love the columns on the tower sides.

Wow, 200 articles already? Time sure flies.

This article has been viewed 3232 times in the last 48 months

jack: i like that old building next to the newer ones.

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