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Sir Richard Bonnycastle 1791-1847

While at Fort Henry, check out the plaque to Bonnycastle, who played a significant role in the defence and economic development of the province.

Arts and culture People War and conflict Plaque

Location:

In the parade square at Fort Henry, just east of Kingston at the junction of County Road 2 and Highway 15

Themes:

Arts and culture, People, War and conflict

Unveiling year:

1957

Part of this driving tour:

Military tour of downtown Kingston

Plaque text:

As an officer in the Corps of Royal Engineers, Bonnycastle was trained in engineering, mapmaking, geology and painting. He served in Europe and Nova Scotia before coming to Upper Canada in 1826. The military surveys and related scientific work that he produced while posted at Niagara, Kingston and York contributed to the economic development of the province. Bonnycastle was recalled here in 1837 to supervise completion of the new Fort Henry. His masterful defence of Kingston during the Rebellions of 1837-38 earned him a knighthood. An interested observer of human nature, Sir Richard wrote four books detailing the social life, history and physical features of British North America.

Sir Richard Bonnycastle (Photo: Hastings County Archives via Wikimedia Commons)
Sir Richard Bonnycastle
Photo: Hastings County Archives via Wikimedia Commons