Wolford Chapel

The chapel is maintained by neighborhood people on behalf of the John Graves Simcoe Memorial Foundation and bigger Ontario by expansion, protecting the memory of John Graves Simcoe and his family, and embodying the connections that join two nations throughout a vast sea.

In later on life, John Graves Simcoe worked as the initial Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada. During that time, he established Toronto (then called York), and made noteworthy initiatives and progress in the abolition of enslavement in the area.

Appointed by Lord Simcoe in 1802, the church was component of his estate in Dunkeswell. Before clearing up in Devon, however, Simcoe led an enhanced life. Simcoe’s compassion is further highlighted by the reality he is likewise recognized as sending out the first documented Valentine’s Day letter in the United States.

After Simcoe’s passing away in 1806, the estate remained with his household for one more century. In 1923, however, the majority of the estate, including the church, was bought by Sir Geoffrey Harmsworth. Harmsworth intended to donate the church to Canada in recognition of its connections to the country. He initially thought about physically transferring the church throughout the Atlantic Ocean, he instead chose to merely contribute the land and chapel in situ to the individuals of Ontario.

The Wolford Church holds a substantial location in the history and culture of Canada, as the burial place of John Graves Simcoe, the initial Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada (modern Ontario). Though the church stands in the very English countryside of Devon, it is had by Ontario, and, as such, happily flies the flag of Canada.

Commissioned by Lord Simcoe in 1802, the chapel was part of his estate in Dunkeswell. Before resolving in Devon, nevertheless, Simcoe led an embellished life. Simcoe’s empathy is additional shown by the truth he is additionally recognized as sending out the initial documented Valentine’s Day letter in the United States.