Trafalgar Castle School: Whitby, Ontario, Canada

The Castle
Built in 1859 by Nelson Gilbert „Iron” Reynolds the flamboyant Sheriff of Ontario County, Trafalgar Castle remains a unique Canadian treasure. Designed by the Toronto architect Joseph Sheard, the Castle was built of limestone and stone in an Elizabethan style. It boasts 15 towers, secret passageways, a tunnel to Lake Ontario and cost Reynolds an astounding $70,000.00 to build. (A bank with a vault cost $6,000 and a substantial home cost $2,000 to $3,000 to build at that time.) Guarded by the stone Trafalgar Lions, the main entrance’s solid oak doors lead into a wide 105 feet long hallway.
This central hall faces a massive carved oak staircase dominated by four magnificent stained glass windows incorporating the Arms of England, Scotland, Canada and Reynolds and his second wife. There were 73 separate apartments and many of the materials and furnishings came from Europe. The Castle was lit by gaslight, manufactured in its own gashouse on the extensive grounds.
The castle stood as the largest private residence built in Canada until Casa Loma was built more that half a century later in 1914.
Sheriff Reynolds
An officer in the 11th Lancers of England, Reynolds was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada. He prospered as the president of the Marmora Foundry and was involved in banking, mercantile business, railroads and shipping. When he built the Castle, Reynolds planned to entertain royalty and he did so. Prince Arthur, third son of Queen Victoria and the Duke of Connaught, who later became Governor General of Canada, were guests at Trafalgar. During their years in residence, the Reynolds lived and entertained lavishly. The glittering receptions and balls made the Castle the centre of society functions.
Beset with financial difficulties, Reynolds was forced to sell his Castle in 1874. The Methodist Church in Canada purchased the Castle and land for $35,000 dollars, only half of what it cost to build. Reynolds served on the Board of Governors of the college until his death in 1881. Nelson Reynolds fathered 24 children with 2 wives.
The Methodists were instrumental in establishing „higher learning institutions for young women” and founded three such institutions in the late 1800’s. In September 1874, Ontario Ladies’ College opened as a residential school for young women with 25 students enrolled. The name was changed in 1979 to Trafalgar Castle School. For 140 years, the school has continuously provided a quality education for young women.
Trafalgar today
Our castle is a place like no other – one that cultivates skills, ignites curiosity and brings your daughter into her own, whether she is an artist, an athlete, an intellectual, or a little of each. Capable and confident, our graduates are exceptional young women who know without question – their possibilities are endless.

23 acres

Canadian Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)