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University
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University College,
built in 1856-9, was designed by the architectural team of Frederic Cumberland and William
G. Storm. The erection of University College marked the beginning of a new phase in the
University of Toronto's history, following the amendment, in 1849, of the original Royal
Charter for King's College, the university's precursor. The original charter had been
granted in 1827 by King George IV for the "establishment of a College...for the
education of youth in the principles of the Christian Religion, and for their instruction
in the various branches of Science and Literature". It was understood at that time
that "Christian Religion" meant Church of England. This favouritism towards the
"established church" was strongly opposed by a growing number of non-anglican
protestants, led by reform politician Robert Baldwin. Baldwin's aim was to secularize the
university, removing all requirements for faculty and students to subscribe to any
particular faith. This he achieved in 1849, and the University of Toronto was born. In
1890 a disastrous fire occurred, destroying most of University College apart from a small
section in the left of this photo. It was restored following the fire to resemble the
original 1856 building.
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