Guide for the The Dundurn Castle – 10 Best Things To See!

Located in Burlington Heights, the magnificent Dundurn Castle is one of the most recognized landmarks in Hamilton.

It is a national historic site that illustrates the unique Canadian life during the mid-19th century before Confederation. The castle is also one of the rare surviving examples of the picturesque values of Canadian architecture.

Overlooking Burlington Bay, the castle is located on Burlington Heights between Hamilton Harbor and the low-lying lands known as Cootes Paradise.

If you are planning a visit, it is important to know that it is not an actual castle but rather a villa. The residents of Hamilton added the “castle.”

DUNDURN CASTLE
Source: Harold Stiver / Shutterstock

National Historic Site of Canada

Dundurn Castle was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1988 because the estate gives a comprehensive statement of the picturesque values of Canadian architecture.

This estate integrates an Italian-style main house, a series of Gothic revivals, and classically styled outbuildings with its natural landscape features, remnants of the War of 1812, and 18th-century farm buildings.

Dundurn Castle, which once stood as the most prominent house in British North America, reflects the outsized personality of its builder, Sir Allan Napier MacNab.

Dundurn Castle offers an exciting glimpse of life in the mid-19th century grand estate. Even if you are not a history enthusiast, you will be thrilled when you see the surviving remnants of the War of 1812.

The British used the castle as a fortified military encampment when the War of 1812 kicked off.

It is believed that nine men convicted of treason during the war were executed near present-day Inchbury Street at the eastern end of Dundurn Castle. But this story is not supported by archaeological research.

10 Things to Learn About Dundurn 

If you plan to visit Dundurn castle, here are the top ten things you should know about this historical and architectural treasure.

1. Castle

The history of this land goes back to before the War of 1812. The estate was originally the property of Richard Beasley, who erected a two-story brick residence in 1800.

He shapes the Burlington Heights landscape with his Gregorian-styled brick cottage surrounded by fields, orchards, and stands of valuable hardwood.

During the War of 1812, the British military found Burlington Heights a perfect vantage point. The enlisted men sought shelter in Beasley’s shed and barn while the rest camped in tents on the cold, hard ground.

They soon established a post here in the estate of Dundurn. And with that, they started building a tunnel and gunpowder storage. Two decades later, these surviving military elements were incorporated into the construction of Dundurn Castle by MacNab in the 1830s.

After the war, Beasley’s financial problems eventually forced him to sell his home to John Solomon Cartwright. The following year, Cartwright sold the property to MacNab, who began constructing the castle in 1835.

DUNDURN CASTLE Extrance
Source: Shutterstock

2. Sir Allan Napier MacNab?

Sir Allan MacNab was the owner of the famous Dundurn Castle. He was born in Niagara. He first arrived in Hamilton from York in 1826 to begin his career as a lawyer. He was nicknamed “Boy Hero’ for his role in the War of 1813 at 12.

He holds an important place in the pre-confederation history of Canada. Following his support of the royalist cause in the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837, Queen Victoria knighted MacNab.

In the growing town of Hamilton, Sir Allan MacNab left a lasting impression. With his help, the railway was established, which later made him a railway magnate. He also opened the first bank and represented the area for 30 years in Parliament.

Having lost his first wife, Elizabeth Brookes, he raised two children, Robert and Anne Jane, as a widower. In 1831, he married Mary Stuart and had two more children, Sophia and Minnie. During the construction of Dundurn, his son Robert was killed in a hunting accident.

DUNDURN CASTLE
Source: Shutterstock

3. All Around Nearby

The Dundurn Castle, an 18,000-square-foot house, took three years and $175,000 to build and was completed in 1835.

It was designed by a young English architect, Robert Wetherall. “Dundurn” was designed as a fashionable Regency-style villa, “Dundurn” is a Gaelic word for “Strong Fort.”

The main house is an eclectic blend of classical and Italian motifs, set in a sweeping landscape with panoramic views of Burlington Bay. Interestingly, the castle was the first to use the “Italianate style” of North America.

Sir Allan’s Gardener, Mr. William Reid, continued to develop the landscape over their lifetime.

Professional landscape and building architects were often hired for this purpose. After its construction, the castle became well-known in the region for its entertainment.

King Edward VII was among some famous personalities who have been entertained here. With its gardens, grounds, museum, and many outbuildings, the castle was one of the finest estates in the province of Ontario, Hamilton.

Interestingly, her Royal Highness, Camilla, the Dutches of Cornwall, is the Castle’s Patron. She is the great-great-great-granddaughter of Sir Allan MacNab.

National Site DUNDURN CASTLE
Source: Sevenstock Studio / Shutterstock

4. Main Castle

Let’s take a quick tour of the primary residence. Built in 1835, Sir Allan MacNab and his family lived here till 1862. He had three daughters growing up with him and his wife, sisters-in-law, and other family members.

The castle has 72 rooms, but only 42 rooms have been restored and are open to the public. The house was built with the modern convenience of the time, including running water, gaslighting, and an indoor toilet and bathtub.

A very modern home, two-floor of elaborate fancy living for that time. The brick construction was covered in stucco, and the interior walls were painted to look like Italian Marble.

Two and three-story towers stood with shallow pyramidal roofs and French windows. The brackets under the parapet are modillion-styled. Tiles were imported from England.

Architect Frederick Restrict added the Doric Portico on the South Side. The pillars and portico were added for the wedding of MacNab’s daughter, Sophia.

The North Loggia functioned as a transitional room between the house and the grounds. The drawing room was the most formal in the castle. Also known as the “Scarlett Room,” this room was mainly used for entertainment.

Because it was used only on rare occasions, the children were not allowed to enter the room. In 1855, the eldest daughter got married in this room.

One exciting aspect of the rooms was that every room had handles; when turned, it would chime the bells downstairs to the servants in the basement.

You will also notice a footstool around the desk and chairs. It was believed that MacNab suffered from gout (Rich Man’s Disease).

Mesuem Entrance DUNDURN CASTLE
Source: Sevenstock Studio / Shutterstock

At the history museums, The rooms are filled with portraits of the daughters, the lady of the home, Lady MacNab, and The Duchess of Cornwall.

She was one of the museum’s patrons, and other old historic paintings indicated historical personalities and events.

The Formal Dining Room has carvings of Greek Goddesses on the walls. It was used mainly for formal dinners.

The room remained closed during the colder months to conserve heat. The youngest daughters have their rooms on the second floor.

It was called the “Nursery.” With no other children around, they study or engage in art. You would see images lying in the room. They were imported from the outside by MacNab for his daughters.

Pro-tip; inside Dundurn castle, you will also find a castle shop. Ask him to help find the best gift that perfectly represents the Dundurn national historic site.

5. Dundurn Castle Basement

The upstairs was more of an incredible showpiece, but the rooms downstairs were more functional.

A tunnel and gunpowder storage are two important features of the basement. They were actual remnants of the house that used to sit on the land before the castle was built.

This vaulted stone construction, used as laundry in Dundurn Castle, once housed racks for barrels of gunpowder protected by an earthen defensive wall.

When Dundurn Castle was built, they incorporated the tunnel and the gun powder storage into the castle.

DUNDURN CASTLE
Source : deb_life / Shutterstock

6. Servant’s Quarter

The basement was also the place where the servants lived and worked. We see a striking difference in the mode of living between the people living in the main residence and the servants living in the basement.

They had their dining room, where they gathered for three meals, consisting mainly of stews. The lower levels also housed the refrigerator, a large rice pit, a vault, and a distillery.

Sir Allan MacNab was a man of true heritage; he installed a beer distillery in the basement.

The Butler’s room is also located here in the basement. He acted as the middle man between the servants and Sir Allan MacNab.

The kitchen was as large as any home of the people living during that time. Every room had a distinct sound bell, which notified the servants of where they were needed for service. The bells from the rooms in the main residence were connected to the kitchen.

Dundurn Castle is also known for being the first home with indoor plumbing. The kitchen is decorated with fine ceramics. And gas lighting were installed here, making the servants work longer in the dark.

7. Hamilton Military Museum

The museum is a white outbuilding facing Dundurn Castle. It exhibits uniforms, medals, weapons, photographs, and other military memorabilia.

The displays include events from the War of 1812, World War I and II, and the role of women in the military. Materials about Canadian military history are found in the museum’s library.

War Mesuem DUNDURN CASTLE
Source: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock

8. Dundurn Castle’s Folly

Dundurn Castle also has its folly. It has a symmetrical octagonal plan with a dome. It has front and rear elevations that resemble a temple of neo-classical design.

The purpose of the structure is still a mystery. Various theories have attributed it to a theatre, a laundry place, a boathouse, a buttery, an office, or a chapel for MacNab’s Roman Catholic wife.

Some have even imagined it as a cockfight ring. A popular theory holds that it must have been an entrance to one of the many tunnels built in Dundurn Castle.

9. Kitchen Garden

The tour of Dundurn Castle ends in the kitchen military museum. It is located on the eastern edge of the park. The produce was used in the castle, with the excess being donated to the local food bank.

This 2-acre garden is considered the largest in Canada. Today, research is carried out in the castle’s kitchen to study the historic recipes of that period.

Cooking preparations and educational programs are carried out in the kitchen over the wood fire without electricity.

10. Entrance Gate

The estate also features a 19th-century entrance gate. It is known for its surviving original materials and designs.

Dundurn Castle was also believed to be a zoo at one time. The zoo had lions, monkeys, and bison in the old “cock pit,” which they used as a shelter.

After the death of Sir Allan Napier MacNab, the estate was used as an institution for deaf-mutes.

It was purchased in 1872 by Donald McLinnes, who sold Dundurn to the City of Hamilton in 1899 for $50,000. The city has been renovating the castle to open it to the public and has spent around $3 million.

Today, Dundurn Castle has been restored to 1855, when MacNab was at the height of his career as a lawyer, landowner, railway magnate, and Premier of United Canada (1854–56).

Over 40 rooms have been furnished to compare the lives of a prominent Victorian family with those of their servants.

If you visit the castle, you will see costumed staff guiding you through the castle and the associated outbuildings, illustrating the life of MacNab’s time.

Closing Thoughts

If you travel to Canada, make “Dundurn Castle” a must-visit on your bucket list.

Not only will you witness this picturesque estate on Burlington Heights with its magnificent residence, but you will also experience what life was like during the time of Sir Allan MacNab.

It’s a fascinating step back to a very different time and way of life. Your knowledge of the history of Canada will certainly be enriched.

Photo by mconrad85 from Depositphotos

The tourism hamilton location Dundurn castle offers many tours. You can enjoy free garden tours, mourning traditions tours, dying tours, and Christmas tours. For some guided tours, you might need advanced tour tickets; visit the website to confirm this before your visit.

Only a few days at these wonderful Hamilton museum sites can change your appreciation of Canadian handmade crafts.

For more information on Dundurn Castle, site military museum, and other historic sites click here. Popular sites to book your tickets are the Doors Open website and the Haunted Hamilton website.

Pro-tip; While there are many so-called “best nearby restaurants”, you may wanna double-check these nearby attractions’ value on the trip.

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Last Updated on by alishbarehman

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