"... a
large maple tree was chosen; on which, taking an axe from one of the woodmen, I
struck the first stroke. To me at least
the moment was impressive, - and the silence of the woods, that echoed to the
sound, was as the sigh of the solemn genius of the wilderness departing for
ever."
The town was named Guelph in honour of the British King
George IV and was laid out to a precise plan drawn up by John Galt. Although he is probably best known in
Scotland as a novelist, Galt is esteemed in Guelph as the city's founder.
Galt's plan reserved land for churches and schools. As this extract from his autobiography shows,
Galt considered education to be extremely important -
perhaps his own school days in Greenock had something to do
with this.
He was part of the Canada Company, set up to develop land
and encourage settlers to what was then known as Upper Canada.
In his novel Bogle Corbet (1831), John Galt describes life as a settler - leaving homeland and family, starting in a new, unknown place, clearing forests, building homes, the extreme weather conditions - it is not an autobiography, but Galt was writing from his own experiences and that of many of the people he met during his time in Canada.
In his novel Bogle Corbet (1831), John Galt describes life as a settler - leaving homeland and family, starting in a new, unknown place, clearing forests, building homes, the extreme weather conditions - it is not an autobiography, but Galt was writing from his own experiences and that of many of the people he met during his time in Canada.
Galt and the Canada Company had many differences, and he returned
to Britain and died here in Greenock in 1839.
However Guelph is not his only legacy in Canada. His sons settled there and became very much
part of society in their adopted land.
The Greenockian
Guelph is known as "The Royal City". Oddly, I have never really seen much of the downtown part of this sprawling city and I'm very much looking forward to checking it out. It's having an Open Doors event next week - I'll report on my findings in May!
ReplyDeletePerhaps, I should try to find one of his books, too?
I was lucky to visit Guelph last summer and it is a beautiful place - the museum is amazing. Most of Galt's books are available to read free online at the Open Library.
ReplyDeleteI haven't really explored it much but what I have seen is quite lovely!
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of Guelph until your post. How sad is that? Galt sounds like a visionary.
ReplyDeleteHe was a man of amazing talents!
DeleteMy husband's ancestor, James Presant came from Norfolk and set up a mill in Guelph. Most of the family attended Guelph University. We lived there for 7 years. It is a pretty town if you can stand the stifling humidity in the summer! Another famous Scot, John Gartshore helped to set up the Hamilton waterworks which is not far from there. Of course, the Scots played an integral part in the founding and settling of Canada! But I have to say I prefer the West Coast any day.Thanks for the like!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting information. Of course I only paid a quick visit to Guelph, would love to go back, though. Perhaps some day.
DeleteI'd never heard of Guelph either. You certainly present some fascinating, and well-researched, stuff on your blog! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike!
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