Historic Boscawen Inn

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Centrally located in the heart of "Old Town" Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, the Boscawen Inn is perched on a steep site overlooking the harbour to the south and the municipal park to the north. This Victorian mansion was built in 1888 by Senator H.A.N. Kaulbach, one of the most influential figures in Lunenburg's history, as a wedding present for his daughter Edna and son-in-law, James R. Rudolf. The Mansion was designed by architect Henry Bush of Halifax and built in the Queen Anne Style. It is formed from intercepting hipped gable wings. It asymmetrical form is emphasized by a circular tower and projecting bay on the south facade and an oriel window on the north east corner. It is Lunenburg's best example of the Queen Anne Revival Style architecture.

James R. Rudolf was an active partner in the Lewis Anderson Company and was also a shareholder in various business, including the S S Lunenburg which plied between Lunenburg and Halifax in the 1880's. Unfortunately, James lost the mansion as a result of his gambling dept and the mansion was taken over by the Bank of Montreal in 1905, a situation which prevailed until 1945 when it was acquired by Dana Sweeny, a successful antique dealer. It was about this time the west wing was added and the mansion was turned into an Inn. Formerly known as "Boscawen Manor", the Inn was later renamed "Boscawen Inn." The Boscawen Inn has seventeen guest rooms, located on three levels. Additionally it offers conference and banquet facilities.

In 1948, the Manor was acquired by Alister Campbell who successfully operated it for many years adding a dinning room on the south side in 1962. In the early eighties, the property was purchased by the talented Leslie Langille, who restored the building. Michael and Ann O'doud became the next owners/innkeepers and operated the Inn for the next twelve years. Glen and Terrie Gill acquired the Inn and added the McLachlan House, bringing the total guest rooms to twenty-two. John and Janie Reed owned and operated the Inn until the end of 2006. Johnny and Linda Power purchased the Inn and continue the traditions of the Boscawen Inn.

McLachlan House, located directly across Lincoln Street from the Boscawen Inn, was built in 1905 for John W. McLachlan, a Dry Goods Merchant and Registrar of Births and Deaths. It features Lunenburg's only octagonal corner tower and is a designated heritage property. The veranda and exterior staircase, which has a certain "ship's bridge" quality about it, was reconstructed in 1993, based on old photographs. McLachlan House offers three guest rooms, two of which are suites, in a Bed and Breakfast atmosphere.

The Boscawen Inn is located in Lunenburg along the Lighthouse Route of Southern Nova Scotia. One of Nova Scotia's most historic and beautiful towns, Lunenburg's colourful waterfront, narrow streets and captivating architecture radiate the flavor of the town's seafaring heritage. Although there was a small French settlement in Lunenburg Bay in the 17th century, Lunenburg Town began in 1753 when it was settled by German, Swiss and Mantbeliardian Protestants. Dozens of historic buildings and homes dating back to 1760 have been beautifully maintained, the streets still follow the original Town plan of 1754. The level of preservation led to Lunenburg's old town being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Welcome to our wonderful Historic Inn! We purchased the Inn in January, 2007. Since that time we have heavily invested in the restoration and upgrading of this "Jewel of Lunenburg".

	Boscawen, the third son of Viscount Falmouth, entered the navy in 1726 and was put aboard the sixty gun Superbe. Within 19 months, while serving in the West Indies, he was made a midshipman. By 1732 he made Lieutenant and by 1737 Commander. In 1739, he distinguished himself in action during the taking of Cartagena. By 1742, at the age of 31 years, Boscawen was the Captain of his own ship, the Shoreham. It was also in 1742 that Boscawen married Frances Evelyn-Glanville. At age 33 he became the captain of the Dreadnaught, a sixty gun ship. In 1744, Boscawen distinguished himself once again by capturing the French Medee with 800 prisoners.

Boscawen, the third son of Viscount Falmouth, entered the navy in 1726 and was put aboard the sixty gun Superbe. Within 19 months, while serving in the West Indies, he was made a midshipman. By 1732 he made Lieutenant and by 1737 Commander. In 1739, he distinguished himself in action during the taking of Cartagena. By 1742, at the age of 31 years, Boscawen was the Captain of his own ship, the Shoreham. It was also in 1742 that Boscawen married Frances Evelyn-Glanville. At age 33 he became the captain of the Dreadnaught, a sixty gun ship. In 1744, Boscawen distinguished himself once again by capturing the French Medee with 800 prisoners.

Boscawen, in July1747, was made Rear Admiral of the Blue. In May of 1749, he was again promoted, to Rear Admiral of the White. In 1750 he was back in England and was based there for the next five years, during which time he was at the center of political and naval affairs.

In 1755, Boscawen was again promoted to Vice Admiral of the Blue and given command of a squadron, with secret orders to intercept all French reinforcements being sent to America. This brought him to the unfamiliar waters off Louisburg & then a layover in Halifax. It was during one of these layovers that he got himself involved in the administration of the affairs of the colony, and the record shows that he attended council meetings at the invitation of Governor Lawrence. During this layover in 1755, the decision was taken to disperse the Acadians away from Nova Scotia. Before the season was out he was back in England, still much regarded and welcomed as a hero. He continued to receive promotions, such as Vice Admiral of the Red in 1757. As the Commander-in-Chief at Portsmouth, it would have been Boscawen who would have signed the order for the execution of Admiral Bying.

In 1758, Prime Minister Pitt promoted Boscawen to Admiral of the Blue and chose him to command the naval forces for the attack on Louisburg. After Louisburg, Admiral Saunders was appointed to accompany Wolfe up the St Lawrence. Boscawen took up sea duty in the English Channel, during which time in 1759, he was to crown his career with the defeat of the “French Toulon fleet,” in the Bay of Largos.

Boscawen was known as “Old Dreadnought” to some, “Wry-necked Dick” to others. He has been described as “offensively minded and a courageous leader.” He made “full use of the knowledge of his juniors” and had “a rare concern for the welfare of common seamen.” Admiral Boscawen’s tomb can be found in the church yard at St. Michael, Penkival Cornwall.

PO Box 489 150 Cumberland Street Lunenburg, Nova Scotia B0J 2C0 1-800-354-5009 reservations@boscawen.ca