"Up Then, Brave Canadians!"

In the first week of December, 1837, the streets of Toronto witnessed the closest thing Canada has ever had to armed revolution. On December 6th, 2008, our friend Richard Fiennes Clinton the founder of Muddy York Walking Tours is joining up with Mackenzie House Museum to revisit what really happened 171 years ago.

This event takes place in two parts. Part One tells the story from the perspective of the government and the loyalists. We'll talk about national and civic leaders like John Strachan and John A. MacDonald, and the roles they played in fighting against Mackenzie. Part Two tells the story from Mackenzie's perspective, and explores his motivations in launching his rebellion.

PART ONE ~ Rebels versus Politicians : Richard Fiennes-Clinton leads a walk to sites connected to William Lyon Mackenzie’s political career: Starting at the Market Gallery and St Lawrence Hall, both sites of early city halls, stroll to Toronto’s First Post Office to hear about the government’s side of the Rebellion. Then on to Hangman’s Square, site of the infamous execution of Mackenzie’s compatriot rebels Matthews and Lount. Arrive at Mackenzie House, the pardoned rebel’s last home, bought for him by admiring friends.

PART TWO ~ A True Patriot: Confessions of Canada's Stalwart Revolutionary Son : Storyteller Jeffrey Canton personifies William Lyon Mackenzie. Join William Lyon Mackenzie—mayor, printer, newspaper editor, revolutionary politician—for an exclusive interview. Learn details of his escape to the United States never before revealed in the Canadian press; discover the true fervor of his politics; see the man as only his most intimate friends and acquaintances did.

Date: December 6th 2008
Time: 13:00 - 16:00
Location: Mackenzie House Museum
Street: 82 Bond Street
Town/City: Toronto, ON

For more info visit the Muddy York Walking Tours website.