Osgoode Hall is located at 130 Queen St W (at University Ave, on the northeast corner) in downtown Toronto.
This Victorian Classical gem was built for the headquarters of the Law Society of Upper Canada. The organization was formed in 1797 to represent the lawyers of Ontario. It was named after the first Chief Justice of Upper Canada, William Osgoode.
Architect John Ewart designed the East Wing with construction from 1829 to 1832. The building was home to law courts and judicial offices and provided housing to lawyers and students. During the Rebellion of 1837, this building was damaged while provincial troops were stationed here.
Henry Bowyer Lane designed the West Wing and Central section, as well as the reconstruction of the East Wing. Construction took place from 1844 to 1846.
From 1857 to 1860, architects Cumberland & Storm rebuilt the Centre portion. Several extensions of Osgoode Hall (including Law School additions) and restorations have been made; however, the front façade has remained unchanged since 1860.
Architectural Highlights of Osgoode Hall
Great Library – called the most beautiful room in Canada, was designed by Cumberland & Storm and opened in 1860. Features include an elaborate ceiling, etched glass windows, cork floor, columns and a triple cube design (40 ft high x 40 ft wide x 120 ft long).
Fence & Gates – designed by William Storm in 1866. The mainly cast iron fence, known for its “cow gates,” was designated a heritage property along with the buildings in 1973. While there’s no proof the gates were used for cattle, they may have been chosen because of their Victorian design.
Convocation Hall – designed by William Storm in the Romanesque style, the room opened in 1881. It’s modelled after a medieval dining hall and features ten stained glass windows covering 4,000 years of law.
The beautiful property also features a Rotunda/Atrium, gardens, courtrooms, judges’ chambers, stained glass windows, a restaurant and more.
Haunted Tales
The collection of historic buildings is thought to be haunted by a few spirits. The first is a group that can be heard talking in one of the chambers at Osgoode Hall. The doors are usually open; however, when the speaking starts, the chamber’s doors close on their own. There have also been reports of a female apparition seen gliding through the halls. Click for more haunted tales.
Osgoode Hall Photos
Women’s Law Association of Ontario
“Founded in 1919, the Women’s Law Association of Ontario (WLAO) was the first organization to work actively to create a place for women at Osgoode Hall. With membership open to law students, lawyers and judges, the non-profit organization advances issues relevant to women in law through networking, educational and social events. Strengthened by the women’s rights movement, the WLAO’s first 100 years marked Canada’s first female lawyer being called to the bar, the first female leader of the regulator of the provincial bar, and the appointment of Canada’s first female Supreme Court of Canada judge. The WLAO’s campaigns influenced legislators, policy-makers, lawyers and judges to dismantle discrimination and enhance equality through law. Through advocacy, it fought employment and pay equity, criminal justice reform, and an end to gendered violence, racism, disability discrimination, homophobia and transphobia. The WLAO continues to empower women in the legal profession by providing a collective voice, and advocating for equality, diversity and change.”
Ontario Heritage Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario
Osgoode Hall
“In 1829-32 the Law Society of Upper Canada erected the east wing of this imposing building. Named after William Osgoode, the province’s first chief justice, the Regency structure housed law courts and judicial offices, and provided accommodation for lawyers and students. It was severely damaged during the six years in which provincial troops were stationed here following the Rebellion of 1837. Plans for its reconstruction were drawn up by Henry Bowyer Lane, an accomplished Toronto architect, and in 1844-46 the west and central portions were erected and the east wing remodelled. In 1857-60 the celebrated architectural firm Cumberland and Storm rebuilt the centre section. Later extended and renovated, Osgoode Hall remains one of the finest examples of Victorian classical architecture in Canada.”
Erected by the Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Citizenship and Culture
The Law Society of Upper Canada 1797
“Following the introduction of English Civil Law into this province in 1792, legislation was passed in 1797 authorizing the establishment of the Law Society of Upper Canada. A founding meeting was held in Wilson’s Hotel in this community on July 17, 1797. It was attended by ten practitioners, including the Attorney General, the Honourable John White, who was appointed Treasurer, the Society’s principal officer. The Society was responsible for setting standards for admission and regulating the province’s legal profession. After relocating to York (now Toronto) in the late eighteenth century, the Society moved into its newly-constructed quarters – Osgoode Hall – in 1832. The Society continues to regulate and control Ontario’s legal profession.”
Ontario Heritage Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario
SOURCE
- City of Toronto Heritage Register: 130 Queen St W
- Ontario Heritage Trust: 130 Queen St W
- Ontario Heritage Trust (plaques)
- Toronto, No Mean City by Eric Arthur, revised by Stephen A Otto
- Osgoode Hall
- Photos: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photos: City of Toronto Archives, Toronto Public Library & Library and Archives Canada
- Artist Rendering Illustration: Metrolinx
- Vintage Map: Atlas of the City of Toronto 1884 by Chas E Goad courtesy of Toronto Public Library
- Toronto City Directory by Might Directories Ltd 1856 courtesy of Toronto Public Library
