Relive battles, hangings of 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion in Newmarket

Newmarket Historical Society hosts Rebel Heartland, a 2-day festival featuring a re-enactment

Yorkregion.com
September 11, 2018
Amanda Persico

Relive the rebellion that forever changed our system of government and cemented Newmarket’s place in history.

The Newmarket Historical Society together with Heritage Newmarket and the Elman W. Campbell Museum host Rebel Heartland, a re-enactment of the 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion.

“This was Newmarket’s claim to fame,” said event creator and organizer Athol Hart.

“The rebellion started in Newmarket. Because of it, our system of government changed and it remains the same system we have today. That rebellion had far-reaching effects.”

For two days, Sept. 22 and 23, Newmarket’s downtown core will be transformed into mid-19 century Upper Canada --the scene of William Lyon Mackenzie’s first few rebel-rousing statements.

With more than 100 re-enactors, history comes alive as rebels recruit followers and invade the weekly farmers' market at Riverwalk Commons on Saturday.

After hearing Mackenzie’s speech encouraging armed rebellion against the then colonial government, watch as rebels march along Main Street only to be confronted by the militia.

Watch as a life-sized cannons flare and the militia battle the rebels with musket rifles at Fairy Lake, which will be transformed into the historic Montgomery’s Tavern.

“To see history happen will make you remember it,” said Hart, a former history teacher. “Reading it in a textbook won’t do it. Seeing it in a museum won’t do it. But seeing it happen right in front of you will create a lasting memory.”

Following the battle, renowned rebels Samuel Lount, a Newmarket local, and Peter Matthews will be hanged in front of Old Town Hall.

There are a number of local connections to the historic event, Hart said, such as prisoners being held at an old church once located on Botsford Street. Descendants of the Children of Peace, who constructed the Sharon Temple, transported weapons down to Toronto.

With the rebellion over, Sunday’s festivities will depict life in mid-19 century Upper Canada.

Patrons can participate in a church service for the upper class, a circuit service for the rebels, where a wedding and a funeral will be performed and the Newmarket Citizen's Band will perform music of the time in period costume.

There will also be a sutlers, including fur traders, blacksmith, leather smith and a log hewer.

For more information, visit newmarket.ca.