Welcome to the Middlesex County Court House, the first destination of the Death, Disaster, and Disgrace in Victorian London Walking Tour. This imposing structure sets the scene for the dark history that will be revealed as you embark on a journey through Victorian London, Ontario. Although the Victorians are known for their strict morals and prudery, historical research will show a contradictory and darker side of their society, not so different from the present day.

Many of the stories on this tour have a connection to the Old Courthouse, but not all are as unfortunate as the first individual you will learn about…

For additional information on The Middlesex Court House, read below.

The Middlesex County Court House was designed in 1827 by John Ewart, a popular architect, who is best known for his design of Osgoode Hall in Toronto. The construction of the building was completed in 1829, with later additions in 1878, which emphasize the Regency Scottish Gothic style of the structure.

The jail was expanded in 1843, extending from the rear of the Court House, but does not retain the same semi-Gothic style of architecture. There is an underground passage way located on the ground floor of the Court House that leads to the jail, which is represented in the architectural plan included in the photo gallery above.

In 1974 the present London Court House was opened, replacing the Old London Middlesex County Court House, which is now used for administrative purposes.

Sources:

Ivey Family London Room, London Public Library, London, Ontario, Canada

Cornerstones of Order: Courthouses and Town halls of Ontario, 1784-1914 by Marion MacRae

http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=8873