1835–1902
Prospect Cemetery
Section 12 Lot 1
Allan Royce came to Canada from England as a young man to live with his cousin George Cooper and his wife Mary. Childless, George treated Allan like a son and eventually made him his heir. Allan’s lineage was notable – his father was the grandfather of Sir Henry Royce, co-founder of Rolls-Royce.
When George passed away, Allan inherited his grand estate, Preston Villa – part of a sprawling 400-acre property. The property at Caldonia Road and St. Clair Avenue West became known as Royce Park, later renamed Earlscourt Park, a name still familiar to Torontonians today. The stately home served as a community hub after its sale to the city in 1920, hosting meetings, events and celebrations until its demolition in 1955.
Allan married Sarah Jane Gilbert, Mary Cooper’s niece, and raised a family that set deep roots in northwest Toronto’s growth. His son, Allan Henry Royce, became president of the Toronto Suburban Railway, while his brother, Colonel George Royce, managed operations. Their influence extended into civic life and transportation, leaving a lasting imprint on the city.
Sources:
• Mount Pleasant Group – Allan Royce
• Earlscourt Park: 100 Years – Regal Heights
• Earlscourt Park History Blog – Community Clubhouse / Preston Villa
Photo: Davenport train station, by John Boyd Sr, between 1893-1913. The image shows crops growing on the Royce Estate, across from what is now Caledonia Park Road. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1548, Series 393, Item 32.
