Frontenac County Courthouse, Kingston
The Frontenac County Courthouse is a distinguished example of Neoclassical architecture designed by Edward Horsey. The building, which opened in 1858, is constructed from limestone and prominently features the Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom on its front facade. Overlooking City Park and the scenic expanse of Lake Ontario to its south, the courthouse is a significant landmark in the city鈥檚 historic landscape.
The Classical Revival style of the courthouse was influenced by George Browne's Neoclassical Kingston City Hall (1842-1844), featuring a three-storey central block with symmetrical two-storey wings ending in pedimented pavilions. In 1874, a major fire necessitated alterations to the original design, which were carried out by architect John Power. One of the most notable additions from this reconstruction is the domed roof tower, which enhances the building鈥檚 classical aesthetic and provides a striking focal point.
Above the dome, a lantern with six semi-circular arches and attached columns mirrors the details below, topped with a flagpole. Additionally, cupolas with octagonal drums and ribbed domes were added to the end pavilions during the reconstruction. The courthouse's design also thoughtfully incorporates larger second-storey windows, which provide ample light to the spacious courtroom areas on the original second floor.
Further enhancing its historic charm, a three-tiered fountain was added to the courthouse grounds in 1903. This addition, along with the existing architectural elements, contributes to the courthouse's status as a cherished heritage site. In recognition of its architectural and historical significance, the Frontenac County Courthouse was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1980.
The Classical Revival style of the courthouse was influenced by George Browne's Neoclassical Kingston City Hall (1842-1844), featuring a three-storey central block with symmetrical two-storey wings ending in pedimented pavilions. In 1874, a major fire necessitated alterations to the original design, which were carried out by architect John Power. One of the most notable additions from this reconstruction is the domed roof tower, which enhances the building鈥檚 classical aesthetic and provides a striking focal point.
Above the dome, a lantern with six semi-circular arches and attached columns mirrors the details below, topped with a flagpole. Additionally, cupolas with octagonal drums and ribbed domes were added to the end pavilions during the reconstruction. The courthouse's design also thoughtfully incorporates larger second-storey windows, which provide ample light to the spacious courtroom areas on the original second floor.
Further enhancing its historic charm, a three-tiered fountain was added to the courthouse grounds in 1903. This addition, along with the existing architectural elements, contributes to the courthouse's status as a cherished heritage site. In recognition of its architectural and historical significance, the Frontenac County Courthouse was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1980.
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Frontenac County Courthouse on Map
Sight Name: Frontenac County Courthouse
Sight Location: Kingston, Canada (See walking tours in Kingston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Kingston, Canada (See walking tours in Kingston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Kingston, Ontario
Create Your Own Walk in Kingston
Creating your own self-guided walk in Kingston is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Kingston Introduction Walking Tour
Kingston, Ontario, known as the "Limestone City" due to its numerous heritage buildings made from local limestone, has a rich history that began with European exploration in the 17th century. The French established a trading post and military fort in 1673 strategically located at the head of the Saint Lawrence River and the mouth of the Cataraqui River that drains into Lake Ontario. This... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Barriefield Heritage Village and Royal Military College Tour
Barriefield Heritage Village and the Royal Military College (RMC) in Kingston, Ontario, offer rich insights into Canada鈥檚 historical and military heritage. Connected to Kingston via a bridge across the lake, the historic Barriefield Village, established in 1814, is one of Ontario's oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods, designated as a heritage conservation district. The charming area... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles