London in Middlesex County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Gaol and Courthouse, London, c.1843
Painting by George Russell Dartnell
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 2, 2009
1. The Gaol and Courthouse, London, c.1843 Marker
--Harriet Priddis, in her “Reminiscences” (1902)
In the 1840s George Russell Dartnell depicted the London District Courthouse sitting on a rise, with the ground dropping toward a ravine to the south and toward a bog near the site of Robinson Hall, on the east side of Ridout Street. Robinson hall is shown at the far right of Dartnell's painting.
“In 1829, Wm. Hale was driving a yoke of oxen, with cart, near the spot, and the animals, becoming frightened and uncontrollable, plunged into this mire, and oxen and cart in a moment sunk down deep. Goodhue was fond of relating this anecdote of himself in connection with this place. He was riding on horseback, with a bag of flour or corn thrown across the horse's neck, and for the moment unmindful of his progress, he allowed the animal to walk into the pit. He saved himself by springing from the horse's back on to terra firma. The horse was got out after a great deal of difficulty, but not so the bag of corn.”
-- from History of the Country of Middlesex, published by W.A. & C.L. Goodspeed (1889)
The photograph is provided for the marker courtesy of Museum London.
Topics. This historical
this page online
Location. 42° 58.945′ N, 81° 15.227′ W. Marker is in London, Ontario, in Middlesex County. Marker is at the intersection of Ridout Street North and Dundas Street, on the left when traveling south on Ridout Street North. Marker is across Ridout Street from the Middlesex Court House. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: London ON N6A 2P1, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Petition of John Ewart (here, next to this marker); Middlesex Court House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Founding of London (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ridout Street Complex (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); Eldon House (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); King Street Bridge (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Isaac Crouse (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Dominion Public Building / Édifice Dominion Public (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in London.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 2, 2009
2. The Gaol and Courthouse, London, c.1843 Marker
Looking east along Ridout Street.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,752 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 14, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
