A Visual History of Eldon House

Timeline

Virtually unchanged since the nineteenth century, Eldon House is London’s oldest residence and contains family heirlooms, furnishings and priceless treasures of the Harris Family. Eldon House is an historic site in downtown London that has been preserved and maintained since 1960 when it was donated to the City of London. It was home to four generations of the Harris family, and is an excellent example of Georgian and Regency architectural styles. Its gardens are considered among the most beautiful in the city.
John & Amelia Harris move into their new home with their family of eight overlooking the forks of the Thames.
John and Amelia have two more children at Eldon House completing their family of ten with three boys and seven girls.
John Harris passes away leaving his wife Amelia to raise their ten children and retain their home under reduced income.
The eldest son, John Fitzjohn, passes away after battling a lingering illness leaving only his brother Edward and his wife Sophia in the home with Mrs. Harris.
Edward and Sophia decide to build a large addition to the home, including a formal drawing room, a new kitchen and more space for the servants.
As Edward faced financial difficulties, his brother George and wife Lucy purchased the house, keeping Eldon House in the Harris family for two more generations. Several years after taking possession of Eldon House, Lucy received a large inheritance from her family in England. Over the next decade they were able to make a number of improvements to the property and grounds, including rebuilding the terraces and converting the lighting from gas to electricity in 1896.
Amelia (Milly) Harris, who died in December 1959, was the last family member to reside in the house. In January 1960, the house, its contents and property were donated to the City of London by the children of Milly’s brother, Ronald Harris – Robin, George and Lucy. Eldon House was opened as a museum in 1961. The property, which extended down the Thames River, was landscaped and eventually became Harris Park.

1960

Amelia (Milly) Harris, who died in December 1959, was the last family member to reside in the house. In January 1960, the house, its contents and property were donated to the City of London by the children of Milly’s brother, Ronald Harris – Robin, George and Lucy. Eldon House was opened as a museum in 1961. The property, which extended down the Thames River, was landscaped and eventually became Harris Park.

Late 1880s

As Edward faced financial difficulties, his brother George and wife Lucy purchased the house, keeping Eldon House in the Harris family for two more generations. Several years after taking possession of Eldon House, Lucy received a large inheritance from her family in England. Over the next decade they were able to make a number of improvements to the property and grounds, including rebuilding the terraces and converting the lighting from gas to electricity in 1896.

Late 1870s

Edward and Sophia decide to build a large addition to the home, including a formal drawing room, a new kitchen and more space for the servants.

1861

The eldest son, John Fitzjohn, passes away after battling a lingering illness leaving only his brother Edward and his wife Sophia in the home with Mrs. Harris.

1850

John Harris passes away leaving his wife Amelia to raise their ten children and retain their home under reduced income.

1836-1839

John and Amelia have two more children at Eldon House completing their family of ten with three boys and seven girls.

1834

John & Amelia Harris move into their new home with their family of eight overlooking the forks of the Thames.

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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.