Stone Hall Castle Tours

July 5, 1:30 PM

Welcome to Regina, home to Canada’s only Medieval-style castle. We invite you to embark on a guided tour, guaranteed to astonish young and old alike. Scholars debate the scope of the word castle, usually considered to be the private fortified residence of a lord or noble during the Middle Ages. These castles, built in Europe and the Middle East, served a range of purposes from military, administrative and domestic. Towards the end of the Middle Ages, castles tended to lose their military significance due to the advent of cannons and permanent artillery fortifications. As a result, a castle became more of a residence and a statement of power and prestige of its occupant.

Originally built by Francis Nicholson Darke as a fortress for his beloved wife Annie, Stone Hall Castle brings an incredible Medieval European experience to Regina, Saskatchewan.
The history surrounding this castle is as intriguing as its original owner. It is a little known fact that the original Darke residence, located where the Hotel Saskatchewan stands today, was damaged during the devastating cyclone of 1912, which tore a path through downtown Regina. Legend has it that his beloved wife Annie was so shaken by that event that she pleaded with him to build a home where she could feel safe again. If it weren’t for this natural disaster, this castle would probably never have been built.  In his early sixties, with the children all grown, Darke set out to build his Annie her fortress. He resolved to use the most durable building materials to withstand Prairie cyclones. With cost being no concern for the wealthy Darke, he imported the exact limestone used on the Regina Legislative Building – an action unheard of in its time for a local residence – and work began.


In 1926, Darke, with the help of the finest masons, carpenters and artisans of his time, delivered on his promise to his beloved Annie and presented her with a  solid stone fortress complete with stone roof and  bomb shelter in the basement.


To see the complete story, tour times and rates go to: www.stonehallcastle.com

2210 College Avenue
S4P 1C6

info@stonehallcastle.com

Local Number: (306) 539-3170