The Dennis Shipyard in Toronto-- Part 4: Today

John Dennis' son, Joseph (1789-1867) was born in New Brunswick and was his father's heir. he was also a shipbulder but more interested in sailing the ships than building them.  He eventually moved to Weston.

The importance of the site of the Dennis Shipyard:

The first ship built for Britain, the HMS Toronto, was built there.  In 1999, a celebration of the bicentennial of the event was held on the Humber River.

Importance to archaeologists:  A dig is needed at the site before anything is done to it.  It should also be plaqued to commemorate the Dennis Shipyard and the HMS Toronto.

--Brock-Perry

The Dennis Shipyard in Toronto-- Part 2: Built the HMS Toronto

His lumber came from the nearby King's Mill.  Between 1796 and 1801, John Dennis built at least three ships there, including the 50-foot schooner HMS Toronto which was ordered by the government of Upper Canada in 1799.

During a storm in 1811, the Toronto sank off Hanlan's Point and its skeleton was still visible into the 1940s.

Toronto is the city's original native name.

--Brock-Perry

HMS Toronto

From Wikipedia.

One of the first ships John Dennis built was the HMS Toronto for Upper Canada's Provincial Marine.

Royal Navy schooner built by John Dennis at York, Upper Canada, on the Humber River in August 1799.  Mounted four cannons.

Built to ferry government officials from York (Toronto) to Upper Canada's former capital at Newark (Niagara-by-the-Lake).

Had a short career when wrecked off Hanlon's Point in 1811 and broken up.

--Brock-Perry

Royal Navy Shipyard, York (Upper Canada)

From Wikipedia.

This would be referring to the Royal Navy Dockyard there. York, Upper Canada, is now Toronto, Canada.

The yard operated from 1793 to 1813. It actually was in operation before the town of York was even there.
It built only a few ships before being moved to Kingston because it was too easy for the Americans to attack..

SHIPS BUILT:

TORONTO, schooner, wrecked 1817

HMS PRINCE REGENT-- schooner launched 1812. Renamed HMS BEREFORD in 1813

HMS NETLEY in 1814 and finally became the NIAGARA, base ship before being broken up in 1843. //// 

HMS ISAAC BROCK-- incomplete frigate burned on the stocks.

--Brock-Perry