Lady Dufferin

Mandarin - Grapefruit - Balsam - Berries - Mulled Cider

Hariot Georgina Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood, Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava, viceregal consort and diplomat. As viceregal consort to Governor General Lord Dufferin from 1872 to 1878, Lady Dufferin transformed Rideau Hall into a social and cultural centre and set precedents for future governors general and their consorts. She was the first governor general’s wife to tour Canada and became one of the most well-known and popular viceregal consorts.

In the winter, Lord and Lady Dufferin’s social calendar included traditional Canadian outdoor pursuits. They commissioned a toboggan run on the grounds of Rideau Hall and hosted tobogganing parties. Skating parties were also part of the winter social scene at Rideau Hall, and Lady Dufferin was the first governor general’s wife to skate on the large indoor rink in Montréal.