UrbanToronto has partnered with Heritage Toronto to capture a moment in Toronto's past. On a weekly basis, we highlight historic photos of the city's people, places and events, and tell the stories behind them.

With the new school year starting in September at the University of Toronto, there will be a buzz of students walking through the downtown city streets on the University of Toronto’s St. George campus. Between finding classes, getting established and making new friends, students may also want to spare a moment to look at the many historic buildings that are located within the campus. Among them is a stately structure once known as Pendarves.

Pendarves was built for a notable Torontonian of the past, Frederick Cumberland. Born in England in 1820, Cumberland relocated to Toronto in 1847. With a background in architecture and engineering, Cumberland soon rose through the ranks to become one of the city’s finest architects. Among his many fine works is University College, a striking building in its own right that’s located on nearby King’s College Circle.

In 1860, Cumberland built a residence for himself on the east side of St. George Street, near the corner of College Street. This Italianate style home was surrounded by spacious grounds and stood facing the new University of Toronto. Cumberland lived in the home until 1881 after which it was redesigned by his former partner and colleague, William Storm. Later in the teens, the house was lived in by two Lieutenant- Governors, Sir John Gibson and Sir John Hendrie.

The home was taken over by the University of Toronto in 1923 and eventually renamed Cumberland House. After being home to the history department between 1924 to 1952,Cumberland’s residence was restored in 1966 by University of Toronto architecture professor Eric Arthur. Today, Cumberland house at 33 St George Street is home to the Centre for International Experience.

Sources:

http://www.lt.gov.on.ca/en/visit/visitpastresidences.asp?nav=8&sub=2

http://www.torontohistory.org/Pages_DEF/Frederic_W_Cumberland.html

http://www.magazine.utoronto.ca/life-on-campus/cumberland-house-international-student-centre-u- of-t

Many thanks to both Gary Switzer of MOD Developments and Maya Bilbao for putting together the photos and research.