Downtown Yonge East in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
York's First Jail
On This Site
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 28, 2022
1. York's First Jail Marker
Le Royal Meridien King Edward Hotel
A Bruce Bell History Project 2005
Erected 2005 by Le Royal Meridien King Edward Hotel; a Bruce Bell History Project.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Law Enforcement • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is October 11, 1798.
Location. 43° 38.973′ N, 79° 22.544′ W. Marker is in Toronto, Ontario. It is in Downtown Yonge East. It is at the intersection of King Street East and Leader Lane, on the right when traveling east on King Street East. Marker is mounted at eye-level on the northeast corner of the Omni King Edward Hotel building, facing King Street East. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 37 King Street
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Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto and on the Golden Horseshoe. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The King Edward Hotel / L'hτtel King Edward (within shouting distance of this marker); York's Second Jail (within shouting distance of this marker); Toronto Post Office/Le bureau de poste de Toronto (within shouting distance of this marker); Charter Meeting of The Rotary Club of Toronto (within shouting distance of this marker); Consumers' Gas Company Building (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Consumers' Gas 150th Anniversary (about 90 meters away); Perkins Block (about 120 meters away); Excelsior Life Building (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toronto.
Related markers.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 28, 2022
2. York's First Jail Marker
Also see . . .
1. King Street Gaol (1798).
The King Street Gaol was Toronto's first jail, built in 1798 on the outskirts of York, Upper Canada. A log structure with 10 cells and a hanging yard, it was located where the King Edward Hotel stands today. The jail quickly fell into disrepair, leading it to be abandoned. The east cells of the jail were completely rotten, the ceilings in the different rooms were insufficient, and the sheriff didn't feel safe when having to confine prisoners in cells or debtor's rooms.(Submitted on February 6, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. A Gruesome History of Capital Punishment in Toronto.
In 1798, John Sullivan, an illiterate Irish immigrant new to the town of York, was on a drinking spree with his friend Flannery. During a spirited drinking bout, Flannery forged a note for three shillings and ninepence (less than a dollar) under the name "Fisk" and persuaded Sullivan to hand it in to the bank. Successful, the pair spent the money on whisky at a local bar, but when they were found out Flannery fled town leaving his friend to take the fall. Sullivan was tried, convicted and hanged from a makeshift rig on King Street opposite Toronto Street where a crowd of people in their best clothes had turned out to witness the spectacle.(Submitted on February 6, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 6, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 669 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 6, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
