Sir William Whiteway Suite
The Sir William Whiteway Suite features the most enchanting and luxurious bathroom in the house, complete with stand-up shower boasting more than 20 jets, a Jacuzzi tub that can accommodate 2, and an antique captain’s shaving stand. Original furniture was purchased from the Watergate Hotel during the Nixon era. Ideal for a family of three.
About Sir William Whiteway: Prime Minister, William Whiteway (in office 1878-1885, 1889-1894, and 1895-1897) is remembered primarily for his drive to stimulate the nation’s economy by building a railway across the island. Newfoundland’s sixth prime minister served longer than any other in pre-confederation Newfoundland, a total of 17 years.
His political career was eventful as it was long. Whiteway is particular notorious for leading the prosecution of 19 Catholics after a sectarian riot in Harbour Grace lead to the death of 4 protestants.
Although the Catholics were acquitted, and what many saw as a travesty of justice caused religious divisions to flare up. This prompted the Catholic members of Whiteway’s government to abandon him and sit in Opposition. Whiteway did not even contest the elections of 1885, resigning in hopes of receiving a political appointment.
Whiteway’s eventual retirement was plagued with political bitterness and personal tragedy. His attempt to return to public life, based on personal animosity towards others in his former party, ended in a humiliating defeat.
Whiteway died in St. John’s in 1908. He was 80
