Simcoe in Norfolk County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Norfolk County Court-House and Gaol
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 25, 2022
1. Norfolk County Court-House and Gaol Marker
The original court-house was built on this site by 1842, and the gaol, designed by the prominent Toronto architect William Thomas, was constructed in 1848. Following a fire in 1863 which destroyed the court-house, the present structure was designed by John Turner of Brantford and completed the following year. The gaol and new court-house were both constructed by Jackson Bros., local builders. The court-house with tall round-headed windows, corner tower and accentuated masonry is typical of the Italianate style in the province at that time. In 1861 a county office had been erected on the square's south corner and in 1893 a new structure replaced an earlier north corner office. Architecturally the court-house, gaol, and registry offices constitute an almost unrivalled grouping of public buildings in Ontario.
Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Culture and Recreation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Foundation series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.
Location. 42° 50.154′ N, 80° 18.367′ W. Marker is in Simcoe, Ontario, in Norfolk County. Marker is at the intersection of
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Sergeant Frederick Hobson, V.C. (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Lynnwood Park (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Simcoe (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Founding of Simcoe (approx. half a kilometer away); M. W. Bro. William Mercer Wilson / Très Vénérable Frère William Mercer Wilson (approx. 4.4 kilometers away); Campbell's Raid 1814 (approx. 8.5 kilometers away); Lieut.-Col. Samuel Ryerse (approx. 9.8 kilometers away); William Pope (1811-1902) (approx. 9.9 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Simcoe.
More about this marker. Both sides of this marker have the same inscription.
Regarding Norfolk County Court-House and Gaol. Former courthouse now houses the Norfolk County Administration offices. Former registry office now houses the Norfolk County Public Library - Simcoe Branch.
Also see . . . Old County Courthouse – Simcoe.
Built in 1863, the building is a two story stone and(Submitted on March 5, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)brick Italianate style structure. The building faces east and was completed in 1864. The building is located on spacious landscaped grounds of Governor Square. The building has tall round-headed windows, corner tower and accentuated masonry. The southeast tower rises three stories with mansard roof and dormers at the top. The east front has a central entrance framed with ornamental stone. The second story has large arched windows. The roof is hipped.Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 25, 20222. Norfolk County Court-House and Gaol Marker(looking west from Colborne Street • former courthouse in left background • former Registry Office on right)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 25, 2022
3. Norfolk County Administration Building (east elevation)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 25, 2022
4. Norfolk County Administration Building
(east entrance)
(east entrance)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 25, 2022
5. Simcoe Heritage Building Marker
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 25, 2022
6. Norfolk County Public Library - Simcoe Branch
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 25, 2022
7. Norfolk County Administration Building (southeast elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 5, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 91 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on March 5, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
