December 10, 2007
Norwich has ties to 1837 rebellion - Woodstock Sentinel Review- About: public speaker
It had be smouldering since the arrival of disgruntled Loyalists and other immigrants in the aftermath of the American Revolutionary War who approved of the Constitution Act as passed by British Parliament, but were at odds with its administration by various governor- generals. Embers of unrest had been fanned for some time, primarily by feisty Highland Scots expatriate William Lyon McKenzie, editor of the Colonial Advocate, a reform newspaper with circulation throughout the province. McKenzie, grandfather of William Lyon McKenzie King, who would become prime minister of Canada, was actively organizing a rebellion in communities north and west of Toronto during the previous summer, while keeping in close contact with the patriots, a similar-thinking group in Lower Canada. Events escalated until the '30s, when the entire township became divided , whether directly involved or not, and the Family Compact's disinterest and/or inability to solve the festering conflict frustrated both sides. Doctor Charles Duncombe, Norwich (township) member of the legislative assembly and a Reformer went to England, representing the Constitutional Reform Society to complain directly about the Upper Canada situation. Even while the Toronto rebels were scattering, Duncombe was informing the Sodom leaders that McKenzie was besieging Toronto with up to 4,000 men. read more
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