Spencer Hall, Ontario

The Major-General grew up at Fontbonne Hall, the son of William Melville Spencer (1852-1931)who was one of the leading figures behind the creation of Imperial Oil and whose father (also named William) built London's first oil refinery in 1863. He served during world wars; and, he and his sister - who lived at Niblett House - were among the principal benefactors of the University of Western Ontario: The A.C. Spencer Engineering Science Building was completed in 1959. 

In the countryside outside London, this was the family home of the Spencers and their five children until 1951, when in exchange for a comparatively small sum, the General donated the mansion to Western University. Renovations were made and an extension added, making it fit for purpose as the university's first official residence for women. 

In 1978, it evolved into the Spencer Hall Continuing Education Centre, a business training facility run in partnership with Western University and Scotiabank. In 2006, the Ivey Business School - established in 1948 as the first MBA program outside of the United States - was relocated from Western's campus to Spencer Hall, since when it has been known as the Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre. It also operates as a luxury hotel, conference centre and wedding venue.