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

Frederic W. Cumberland 1820-1881

Photos by Alan L Brown - March 2004

This substantial home on the east side of St. George Street just north of College Street has an Ontario Heritage Trust plaque in front of it which says:

An outstanding Canadian architect, civil engineer and railway manager, Cumberland was born in England and practised there before immigrating to Toronto in 1847. He quickly gained recognition, designing such notable buildings as St. James Cathedral (1850-53) and University College (1856-59), Toronto. In 1860 he completed this house, Pendarvis, in which he lived for 21 years. As an engineer, Cumberland became increasingly involved in railway construction and management, and after 1858 achieved wide prominence as managing director of the Northern Railway. He carried his railway interests into politics and served as member for Algoma in the Ontario Legislature (1867-72) and the Dominion Parliament (1871-72). A man of varied interests, Cumberland was a founder and first commanding officer of the present-day Royal Regiment of Canada.

Related Toronto plaque pages
St. James' Cathedral
University College

Plaque Location Co-ordinates: 43.659350 -79.396166

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