This school, built to accommodate 1,000 students, was the largest graded school in Upper Canada, and became the only public school in Hamilton at the time of its opening in 1853. Among the earliest examples of an institution inspired by the reforms of Egerton Ryerson, the province's chief superintendent of education (1844-76), it incorporated his scheme of an integrated, rational and graduated public education system based upon a central school and primary feeders. The building's original finely proportioned Classical design, by the firm of Cumberland and Ridout, was extensively remodelled in 1890 by the Hamilton architect, James Balfour. His alterations, including a steeply pitched roof, certain round-arched windows and a heightened central tower, created an edifice in conformity with late Victorian tastes.

Location

In front of the school, 75 Hunter Street West, Hamilton

Themes

• Buildings and structures
• Education