Clarence Square facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clarence Square |
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| Type | Public Park |
| Location | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Operated by | Toronto Parks |
Clarence Square is a lovely small park in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. You can find it where Wellington Street West meets Spadina Avenue. It's a peaceful and shady spot, perfect for relaxing. The park has many big trees, lots of green grass, and benches and picnic tables where you can sit. There's even a drinking fountain in the middle.
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Discover Clarence Square
Clarence Square is one of the oldest parks still around in downtown Toronto. It has a long history and has changed a lot over the years. This park is a great place to learn about Toronto's past and enjoy some quiet time outdoors.
How Clarence Square Got Its Name
The exact reason for the park's name, Clarence Square, isn't totally clear. However, it's believed to be linked to members of the British Royal Family. One idea is that it was named after Prince William Henry, who later became King William IV. Another thought is that it was named after Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Avondale. Since the name appeared on maps in the 1850s, it's more likely to be connected to Prince William Henry.
Heroes and History in the Park
Clarence Square isn't just a pretty park; it also has important historical connections.
Honoring a Canadian Hero
In the northwest part of the park, you'll find a special plaque. This plaque honors Alexander Roberts Dunn, a brave Canadian soldier. He was born near this very park! Alexander Dunn was the first Canadian to ever receive the Victoria Cross. This is the highest award for bravery in the British military. He earned it in 1854 during a famous battle called the Charge of the Light Brigade. During the battle, he saved the lives of two fellow soldiers.
A Prime Minister's Son Lived Nearby
Another interesting historical fact is that Hugh John Macdonald lived in the area. He was the son of Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Imagine living so close to a park with such a rich history!
The Park's Journey Through Time
Clarence Square has seen many changes in Toronto. For a while, the area around the park became very industrial, with train yards and big warehouses. This meant the park was often overlooked.
However, things have changed again! Today, the factories and warehouses are gone. The neighborhood around Clarence Square is now mostly homes and businesses. This has helped the park become a popular and well-loved spot once more for people living and working nearby.
Historic Buildings Around the Square
There are also some interesting old buildings right next to Clarence Square that show its long history:
- Clarence Terrace: These buildings (numbers 5-15 and 6-16 Clarence Square) were built a long time ago, between 1879 and 1890. They show the style of buildings from that era.
- Steele Briggs Seed Company warehouse: This building (originally 2 Clarence Square, now 49 Spadina Ave.) was built in 1911. It used to be a warehouse for a seed company, showing the area's industrial past.
