Russian Cannons

The two Russian cannons outside the Legislative Building entrance were captured by the British during the Crimean War and sent to Toronto in 1859 as a gift from Queen Victoria. Cannons such as these were melted down to supply metal for Victoria Cross medals, the highest military decoration awarded by the British Government for acts of valour in battle. The cannons were originally positioned at the south end of the park where Sir John A. Macdonald's monument is now located, and were moved in front of the Legislative Building upon its completion in 1892.