Living Victorian Web Magazine

	Easy Elegance - More Than Just Style, It Is A Way Of Life!

	What's New\| Journal\| Craft\| Decorating\| Exploration\| Mailing List \| Gift Shop \| Home

Victorian Journal

Dundurn Castle

Dundurn Castle

DUNDURN CASTLE
610 York Boulevard
Hamilton ON L8R 3H1 Canada
Tel: 905-546-2872
E-mail: dcchin@interlynx.net

We have a special treat for our readers "Dundurn Castle." Since this is our "Holiday" issue, we wanted to give you a little taste on how Christmas was celebrated in the Castle. Also, at the end of the article we have a special treat so read on and enjoy!

Dundurn Castle is located in Hamilton, Ontario Canada. It is a 32 acre estate with an Italianate mansion. It was the restored home of of Sir Allan Napier MacNab, and was built in 1835 around a brick shell of a colonial style home. Dundurn translates as "fort on the water."
Sir Allan MacNab was an important figure in the pre-Confederation history of Canada. He was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1838 for his involvement in the suppression of the Rebellion of 1837. Sir Allan MacNab reached his highest political achievement when he was Premier of Canada West from 1854-1856.

Sir Allan Napier MacNab

In Victorian Canada the celebration of Christmas varied greatly from home to home. Most people celebrated with simple decorations depending on how wealthy the families were. The MacNab family had celebrated Christmas with extravagant parties and dinners during Christmas and throughout the year. It took several weeks for the MacNab's to prepare for the Christmas feast. There would have been an abundance of food consisting of the goose, rabbit, oysters, lobster, champagne and oranges would have been sent in by train. On Christmas day breakfast may have consisted of left over cold meats from the night before, bacon, poached eggs, toast etc... The McNab's would have attended an early morning church service. Lunch would have been very simple since the emphasis was on the Christmas dinner.

Gift Giving

Xmas

One of the very special desserts served at dinner would have been the flaming Christmas pudding, complete with a coin hidden in it. This dessert with the coin was a Victorian tradition.

It sounds like our Christmas would have been very similar to the McNab's. (on a smaller scale of course!) I guess time does not change everything.

Let us get back the Castle. The Castle has been restored to the year 1855. Over forty rooms have been furnished to show visitors the life of a prominent Victorian family. The Dundurn Castle is an experience not to be missed.

The most popular time of the year for the Castle begins on November 24. This is the unveiling of the Victorian Christmas. Each year since 1967 the Garden Club of Hamilton has decorated the house in authentic style using heirloom varieties of plant material grown and dried at Dundurn. The Castle has special Candlelight Tours and dinners in the Coach House available by reservation.

Also on the property of the castle, you will find the Hamilton Military Museum and the Coach House Restaurant where chef Trevor Hamilton serves a menu inspired by research into the life on the estate. There is also a unique Victorian Gift Shop.

Now, we want to give you a special Christmas treat....direct from Trevor Hamilton, chef at Coach House Restaurant, here are a few recipes for your Holiday table that will be served at the Coach House Restaurant during the Christmas Holiday.

HAM BAKED IN HAY AND BEER

2. A few ounces of hay

3. 2 bottles of dark ale

Put the hay on the bottom of the pan. Place the ham on the hay and pour over the 2 bottles of beer. Cover with siran wrap and then cover with aluminum foil. Bake for about an hour.

CRANBERRY MARMALADE

2. 1 cup of claret

3. 1 cup of maple syrup

4. 1 cup of brandy

5. juice of 1 lime

6. 1 cup of raisins

7. quill of cinnamon

Add everything into a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce till it thickens. Let cool and serve.

I want to thank Mr. William Nesbitt, Curator of Dundurn for giving us all the wonderful information for our readers, and also a special thanks to Trevor Hamilton who initially contacted us on doing an article for this glorious Historic Site.

Visit the Dundurn Castle during the Christmas Holidays and have an experience never to be forgotten. Make it a family tradition!

Happy Holidays!

Counter