St. Martin’s Rood

Details of Site Location: The Spadina estate at the border with the Russell Hill estate, at the rear of the Spadina house on the south bank of the ravine.

Current Use of Property: The site is currently in a semi-wild state, with trees and wild plants on it.

Historical Description: St. Martin’s Rood was developed in 1829 by Dr. William Warren Baldwin because of the death that year of his son, Quetton St. George Baldwin. The site is named for a 4th century saint in a French monastery which trained Celts to serve in Ireland the birthplace of the Baldwin family. Instrument #20336 of 31 August 1842 by Connell J. Baldwin to William Warren Baldwin should be consulted for details of later developments. Among those buried there were: Hen. Peter Russell who was re-interred there after burial in the military cemetery near Fort York; Peter Russell’s sister Elizabeth Russell: Maria Willcocks, sister of Phoebe who was William Warren’s wife; William Warren himself and his wife Phoebe; John Large who managed the Baldwin’s Millbrook property; Harriet Spread Baldwin Scadding who was later moved to St. James’ by Henry Scadding; Augusta Elizabeth Sullivan Baldwin who was Hen. Robert Baldwin’s wife; and Hen. Robert Baldwin. There were other burials as well, hut records have not been found. Dr. Baldwin had a vault built into the side of the slope, and Hen. Robert had an elaborate mausoleum built for his wife and himself. In 1868, James Austin bought the Spadina property and closed the cemetery, finally having the graves moved to St. James’ in 1874.

Relative Importance: The importance of this cemetery must he clearly recognized since it was the resting place of one of Canada’s greatest families, and of the two men who did more than any others to reform government in Upper Canada. Although some believe that all of the graves have Been moved, there is great uncertainty about this and it is very probable that there are still burials at the site which are unmarked. The entire property is important because of the Baldwins, despite Austin’s obliteration of most traces of them, and the Baldwins’ existence on the Spadina property was the basic reason why so many other people of importance built fine homes on the escarpment (such as Ardwold and Casa Loma).

Planning Implications: In planning, the area of the cemetery should be protected, and plans for archaeological investigation should be laid, although there is no immediate threat to the site. A large plaque giving the history of St. Martin’s Rood, and the eventual resting places of its inhabitants is appropriate. Further research is needed, and a publication for the benefit of all Torontonians is needed.

Reference Sources: Toronto Reference Library, Baldwin Room, Baldwin Paper; Community History Project files.

Acknowledgements: Community History Project; Spadina House Staff.