Dundurn Castle

Wesley B. Turner is an associate professor of History at Brock
University and author of TheWar of 1812: The War That Both Sides Won.

Dundurn Castle begins with the story of Allan MacNab. After
volunteering—in 1813, at age 14—to fight the American attack on
York, this impatient young man tried unsuccessfully to pursue a military
career, then attempted various jobs, and eventually qualified as a
barrister and attorney. After moving to Hamilton in 1826, he combined
his law work with land speculation, railway promotion, and politics. As
his wealth grew, he decided to build a large mansion on a commanding
site at the head of Burlington Bay. The result was a house that is
impressive even today.

Its Regency Italianate form was a mixture of old and new architectural
styles in vogue in the 1830s when Dundurn was built. When he could
afford to, MacNab made changes including adding a large classical
portico in 1855 just in time for his daughter’s wedding. For the most
part, the Castle has been restored to that time period.

Badone’s brief history of and pictorial guide to one of the
best-known historical houses in Southern Ontario provides an excellent
introduction both to the house and to the resourceful Sir Allan MacNab.
The book has floor plans (undated) and color photos, as well as numerous
black-and-white illustrations. It brings the story of Dundurn Castle to
the present, but raised a number of questions. It left this reviewer
wanting to know more.