Osgoode Hall

Osgoode Hall is one of downtown Toronto's many heritage buildings. This stunning six acre site has been the location for legal activity in Ontario since the 1800's. The Court of Appeal for Ontario, the Superior Court Of Justice and the Law Society of Upper Canada currently reside at Osgoode Hall.
 
This site located at Queen and University was acquired in 1828 for one thousand pounds. Osgoode Hall was in the middle of a field with mud road access to the core of the city located at King and Jarvis. In 1828 Osgoode Hall situated on the northwest boundary of Toronto was almost outside the city limits. Today Osgoode Hall is in the heart of downtown Toronto.
 
Since 1840 Osgoode Hall has been co-owned by the Ontario Government and the Law Society. The Court of Appeal for Ontario, the Superior Court Of Justice and the Law Society of Upper Canada currently reside at Osgoode Hall.
 
Two libraries are housed within Osgoode Hall: the Great Library of the Law Society of Upper Canada and a smaller library for judges. The Great Library was designed by Cumberland and Storm (1857-1860) and features an ornate plaster ceiling, cork floors, and etched glass windows. A War Memorial by Frances Norma Loring (1887-1968), sculpted in 1928, was added to the Library in honor of the Canadian war effort.
 
Behind the Great Library (and accessible through it) is the American Room, designed by Burke and Horwood in 1895, a more intimate room with a spiral staircase. The courthouse at 361 University Avenue directly to the north is accessible through a connecting tunnel.