Learn a little of Toronto's history as told through its plaques.

Elizabeth Posthuma Simcoe 1766-1850

Photo by Alan L Brown - April 2004

Photo Source - Canadian Heritage Gallery

Did you know that way back in 1794, John Graves Simcoe and his wife Elizabeth built a summer home they called Castle Frank overlooking the Don River? An Archaeological and Historic Sites Board plaque just to the right inside these entrance gates of a building at the end of Castle Frank Road, south of Bloor Street East, tells the story:

The wife of the first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada, Elizabeth Posthuma Gwillim was born at Whitchurch, Herefordshire, England. Orphaned at birth, she lived with her uncle, Admiral Samuel Graves, and subsequently married his god-son, John Graves Simcoe. She accompanied her husband to Upper Canada where she travelled extensively. Her diaries and sketches, compiled during these years, provide a vivid description and invaluable record of the colony's early life. In 1794, near this site, Mrs. Simcoe and her husband erected a summer house which they named "Castle Frank" in honour of their son. Returning to England in 1796, Mrs. Simcoe devoted her later years to charitable work. She is buried beside her husband at Wolford Chapel, Devon.

Related Toronto plaque page
Lieutenant-General John Graves Simcoe

Related Ontario plaque pages
Elizabeth Posthuma Simcoe 1766-1850
Wolford Chapel

Plaque Location Co-ordinates: N 43 40.425 W 79 22.036

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