August 2004. In July I described the Centre Block of Parliament, but for the sake of brevity did not include the Library and the Peace Tower. Now they, along with the historic but less well-known East Block, are the subject of this present article.

Located behind the Centre Block, the 1876 gothic revival Library survived the fire of 1916. It is circular, with 16 flying buttresses and a copper-clad roof. With its beautiful floor of inlaid cherry, oak and walnut, and its carved panelling of white pine, it is reputed to be one of the world's finest examples of the wood-worker's craftmanship. At present the interior is being completely updated, and the outside is being cleaned and repaired. Although it is not open to visitors at this time, Ms Stephanie Routhier of their Parliamentry Public Programs graciously permitted me to use one of the Library's own copyrighted photos to show you what it is like inside. While work is under way, many of the staff and much of the documentation have been transferred to a nearby building.

After the Great War, it was decided to build a tower to honour the thousands of Canadians who gave their lives in the cause of freedom. By 1927 the 302ft (92m+) free-standing Peace Tower of sandstone and granite was completed at a cost of $9.9 millions. It is decorated inside and out with stone relief carvings, friezes and grotesques. Near the summit is a clock with four faces, each 15.5ft (4.8m) in diameter, "guarded" by gargoyles at the four lower corners. Below it are an observation deck which offers terrific views, and a carillon chamber with 53 bells, ranging in size from 10 pounds to 10 tonnes.

Below the carillon is the Memorial Chamber, in gothic revival style with stained glass windows, fan-vaulted ceiling, and a floor made of stones from the battlefields of France and Belgium. A central altar contains the first Book of Remembrance with the names of Canadians who died in battle. Again my thanks to Ms Routhier for permitting me to use the Library's own photo of the altar. Around the walls of the Chamber are tables with five more Books that have been added over the years, including one for Merchant Seamen and one for Newfoundland, which joined Canada in 1948. Altogether the six volumes contain more than 116,000 names.

For some eighty years the East Block was Parliament's nerve centre. It contained the offices of the Prime Minister, at least one senior Cabinet Minister, the Governor General, and the Cabinet / Privy Council. After they moved to other locations in 1942, only ordinary offices and meeting rooms remained. The original occupants' historic offices were redone in 1981 with their 1867 furnishings, and are open to the public. Visitors should be aware that only available light may be used for photography.

I gleaned valuable information from the very knowledgeable tour guides, as well as from the following web-sites: (Parliament):www.parliamenthill.gc.ca and www.parl.gc.ca (Veterans Affairs): www.vac-acc.gc.ca (Privy Council Office): www.pco-bcp.gc.ca