Vittoria in Norfolk County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

The District Capital

1815-1825

Photographed by Tim Boyd, September 15, 2024

1. The District Capital Marker

Inscription. In 1800 the London District was formed and justices of the peace possessing administrative and judicial powers were appointed for this area. In 1815 the courts, then held at Charlotteville (Turkey Point), were moved to the new judicial centre at Tisdale’s Mills (Vittoria). Here a committee consisting of John Backhouse, Thomas Talbot and Robert Nichol was named to supervise the construction of a court-house and jail. This building was used both by the courts and for occasional religious services until destroyed by fire in 1825. In the following year the district capital was moved to the new settlement at London.

Erected by Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Law Enforcement • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1815.

Location. 42° 45.714′ N, 80° 19.347′ W. Marker is in Vittoria, Ontario, in Norfolk County. It is on Lamport Street 0.1 kilometers south of Vittoria Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11 Lamport Street, Vittoria ON N0E 1W0, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Southwest Ontario Area

and in Southwestern Ontario.

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 Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 kilometers

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of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Christ Church, Anglican- 1844 (a few steps from this marker); United Empire Loyalists and the Long Point Settlement (within shouting distance of this marker); William Pope (approx. 4.4 kilometers away); M. W. Bro. William Mercer Wilson / Très Vénérable Frère William Mercer Wilson (approx. 4.8 kilometers away); To Honour the Pioneers (approx. 5.4 kilometers away); Lieut.-Col. Samuel Ryerse (approx. 5.4 kilometers away); Port Ryerse 1794-1994 (approx. 5.4 kilometers away); Normandale Blast Furnace/ Le Haut Fourneau de Normandale (approx. 5.9 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vittoria.

Also see . . . The Historic Village Square (Vittoria and District Foundation).

In May 1802, the Crown granted John Gustin 200 acres of land known as Lot 20, Concession 3, Charlotteville. Gustin sold 50 acres at the north end of this lot to S. Mabee, who in turn sold the property to Col. Robert Nichol. Nichol deeded a portion in the northern part of the 50 acres to be "in trust for public uses of the District of Talbot." This portion of land became known as the Court House Square.

(Submitted on October 6, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

Photographed by Tim Boyd, September 15, 2024

2. The District Capital Marker

The 1815-1825 London District courthouse at Vittoria image. Click for full size.

3. The 1815-1825 London District courthouse at Vittoria

Source: The Vittoria Foundation (public domain)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 121 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 6, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.