Barriefield sits to the east of old downtown Kingston, just over the Cataraqui River, largely a collection of 1830s to 1860s cottages to the south of St. Marks Anglican. The plaque out front reads:
This church, a fine example of the early style of Gothic Revival architecture, was built with the aid of funds subscribed by the British Admiralty and by settlers at Barriefield, many of whom had been employees of the Royal Navy dockyard at Navy Bay. John Bennett Marks, a naval paymaster, donated the land for a site. The corner-stone was laid by Bishop John Strachan, July 10, 1843, and the church, designed by Alfred Brunel, was opened by Archdeacon George Okill Stuart, July 7, 1844. The first rector, the Rev. John Pope, served from 1844-1846. The church was consecrated by the Rt. Rev. John Travers Lewis, first Bishop of Ontario, September 25, 1862.The village is most likely named after this gent, Rear-Admiral Sir Robert Barrie, who served in the Napoleonic Wars and Commissioner of the Kingston Dockyard and Commander of the Naval Forces in Canada, 1819 to 1834. The entire district is a designated heritage area.
Comments
Will Seccombe - March 17, 2005 6:35 pm
Alan,
I just launched a new travel blog.. www.sogonow.com and would love to include this post in full. Is that something that you would be comfortable with if I credit you and your blog? Thanks Will
Alan - March 17, 2005 6:51 pm
Sure, Will. If you look you will see my category for Kingston which is in large part photos of the town.
Student - May 15, 2006 11:37 pm
I'm working on a restoration project of the John Marks house... I'd like to know when the picture you have posted was taken? (the last one with the porch shingles falling off)
Alan - May 16, 2006 7:25 am
Hi anonymous student. I would have taken that within a day of the posting, March 15 2005.
Mark - October 24, 2006 3:44 pm
Alan,
Just curious if you have any current pictures of the restoration of the John Mark's house. My grandfather lived there while rector of St. Mark's.
Thank you.
Alan - October 24, 2006 3:56 pm
Hi Mark, no I only have that one shot.
Anne Farington-Alt - August 1, 2007 9:12 pm
Hi Alan:
My ancestor was Commodore Robert Barrie--for whom Barriefield. His grandmother was Elizabeth Farington Gardner--that is where my family link is to Robert Barrie.
I've been to RMC in Kingston and to Barriefield in my search for more information on Sir Robert--and the more I learn, the more impressed I am with the man and the dedication he had to his work, the Royal Navy, his family, and to the many men who served with and under him.
I appreciate the beautiful photos you have taken of Barriefield. Thank you.