William Lyon Mackenzie 1795-1861
Text from the plaque
Born and educated in Dundee, this famous radical reformer, writer and publisher went to Canada in 1820 and at Queenston founded the influential newspaper, the Colonial Advocate, in 1824. Later that year he moved the paper to York (Toronto). In 1826 friends of the provincial oligarchy, which he had often attacked, retaliated by destroying his press. Mackenzie, Upper Canada's leading radical, was elected to the provincial parliament in 1828, became Toronto's first mayor in 1834 and was the leader of the ill-fated Rebellion of 1837. He fled to the United States where he remained until permitted to return in 1849. Mackenzie became a member of the Canadian parliament (1851-1858) although with diminished political influence. He is buried in Toronto.
Transcribed from the marker, not summarised.
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Scotland
Dundee
Near "The Steeple" in the Howff in Overgate
N 56 27.560 W 02 58.385
Recorded September 2011. Check current access before visiting.
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Visitors' notes
July 9, 2015
Further to my earlier question re. William Lyon Mackenzie Plaque, I've located it partly hidden by a tree, on a free standing post halfway between the Steeple tower and the shopping mall entrance, thanks to an ever helpful Dundee resident. Thank you for this opportunity to clear up the location. Jcallan
July 4, 2015
I'm presently vacationing in Dundee UK and have been unable to locate this plaque. I wonder if anyone could let me know where it has been relocated. Thank you. Jcallan