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The background Richard Bedford (R.B.) Bennett served as Prime Minister of Canada from 1930-35, during the period known as The Great Depression. After his defeat in the election of 1935, his unpopularity in Canada was matched only by the antipathy he felt towards all things Canadian. In 1939, "R.B", as he was popularly (or unpopularly) known, departed
Canada and moved to Surrey, England. He was active in his adopted new community, and in
1941, was appointed to the House of Lords as 'Viscount Bennett of Mickleham, Calgary and
Hopewell'. He died in 1947, and was buried in St. Michael's Church Cemetery in Mickleham,
Surrey. The Doyle proposal Mr. Harry Doyle is the Member of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick for the riding of Albert, which includes the town of Hopewell Hill, the birthplace of R.B. Bennett. (Note: Mr. Doyle was defeated in the last provincial election.)
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Mr. Doyle has begun a campaign to disinter (i.e.
remove) Viscount Bennett's remains, and to ship these to Hopewell for reburial. He
calls this plan "a patriotic act of reconciliation." Of the new burial site, he
is quoted as saying: "The way I see it developing, it would be a tourist
attraction.'' Current situation Recent news coverage has focussed on statements made by Viscount Bennett when he departed Canada saying "England is my home", and indicating his home in Canada was Calgary, not Hopewell, New Brunswick. Public statements officially attributed to His Excellency, the Governor General of Canada, indicate that he currently favours disinterment. He has invited a Bennett family representative, and Mr. Doyle, to meet with him in Ottawa to discuss advancing the proposal. (Note: Mr. Leblanc stepped down as Governor General in October 1999) |
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Photos of St. Michael's Church and Cemetery appearing on this website were taken by Frances O'Malley in May 98 |
