Kiln of Contention

A large brick structure. It is rectangular and has an arched opening on the one side.
Kiln in the Basement

Country of Origin: Canada
Year: ca. 1820
Materials: Brick and mortar 

This ‘kiln’ is one of the great mysteries of Eldon House. Located on the south side, in the oldest part of the basement, the existence of this brick-and-mortar pillar has stumped historians for decades. Evidence suggests that there was something on the Eldon House property before the construction of the house. However, no city plans or records exist from this time. What is clear, is that this structure predates the 1834 house. It is unlikely that this belonged to another wooden building, but it has been thought to have belonged to a business. Speculations for this item have ranged from a pottery kiln, a chimney, or even a pizza oven!

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.