The Colborne Street Theatre

Photos and transcription by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted June, 2008

Here, inside a Metro supermarket at 80 Front Street East, just east of Church Street, is a 2008 Bruce Bell History Project plaque which says:

Plaque coordinates: 43.648994 -79.373474

On this site once stood the Colborne Street Theatre a ramshackle former stable where, during the autumn of 1829 a murder took place that today is looked upon as one of the instigating moments that ultimately would lead to the Rebellion of 1837.

Charles French an apprentice of William Lyon Mackenzie the publisher of the anti-establishment newspaper the Colonial Advocate, after attending an evening of songs at the Colborne Street Theatre, approached the town bully a man named Nolan who had influential connections to the all powerful Family Compact.

Charles French in an attempt to show solidarity amongst the everyday citizens who were growing tired of the constant injustice wielded by the Family Compact drew his pistol and fired at Nolan hitting him on the right side.

Nolan collapsed and died on this very spot as French scurried back to his lodgings at the Black Bull Tavern (still standing at Queen and Peter Streets) where he was arrested and hanged two weeks later.

Related websites
The Rebellion of 1837
Family Compact

Related Toronto plaque
William Lyon Mackenzie

Related Ontario plaque
The Colonial Advocate

More
Conflict

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Posted June 22, 2011
This marker was reported missing as of June 2011. -Wayne

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