Blackfriars is one of London’s beloved and unique neighbourhoods. With a distinct character of its own, this historical independent village is nestled just outside the downtown core, running along the Thames River.
As one of the oldest areas in the city, Blackfriars showcases local history with its beautiful homes and other iconic landmarks. Discover them for yourself!
past to present
The Blackfriars neighbourhood is characterized by a unique mix of heritage, cottage-style homes that once survived the most destructive fatal floods (1883 and 1937) that London has seen. Built between 1850 - 1910, the homes showcase Gothic Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne and Edwardian era styles. Mature trees, public green spaces and parks lining the river, like Ann Street Park Community Garden and Blackfriars Community Garden, give the area a distinct character.
The Blackfriars community also boasts iconic structures that still stand today to tell the history of the area. Jeanne-Sauvé Public School (former Empress Avenue School) and St. George's Anglican Church remain as institutional landmarks within the neighbourhood.
NOTABLE LANDMARKS – LABATT PARK
Blackfriars is home to Labatt Park, a centre for sports and leisure in London since 1877. The park holds a Guinness World Record as the oldest operating baseball diamond in the world and serves as home field for the London Majors (IBL), Western Mustangs and Fanshawe Falcons. Want to see the park up close and personal? Tours of Labatt Park are available in the summer. Learn more here!
NOTABLE LANDMARKS – BLACKFRIARS BRIDGE
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The Blackfriars Bridge, considered the jewel of the neighbourhood, has connected this community to London’s downtown since 1875. It is a beautiful 19th century bridge made of wrought iron and is one of the oldest and rarest bridges in Canada. Check out spectacular views of the Thames River from here.
NOTABLE LANDMARKS – ELDON HOUSE
A short walk south from Blackfriars Bridge brings you to Eldon House, the oldest remaining house in London. Eldon House was built in 1834 by a retired naval officer, Captain John Harris. For many years, it was the centre of social and cultural life in the community and is now a public museum, given to the City of London by the Harris family in 1960.
BLACKFRIARS BISTRO
Be sure to visit Blackfriars Bistro, where they combine precise technique and skill with quality, hand-selected ingredients. They support and depend on indie farmers, sustainable fisheries, local artisans and craftspeople for seasonal offerings. Blackfriars Bistro's cooking and hospitality celebrate the farm-to-table experience with food, drink and authentic flavours grown in Southwestern Ontario. Make a stop at their neighbour business, the Blackfriars Pantry, Larder and Bakery for pickup and takeaway options, catering and gourmet food.
We hope you enjoy discovering heritage and history in one of London's unique neighbourhoods! Share your explorations by tagging #ExploreLdnOnt on social media.
