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Officially founded in 1834, the Village of Bronte was named as a tribute to
British Naval Hero, Admiral Nelson, who was granted the "Duchy of Bronte" in
Sicily for his naval victories. Some of Bronte's original settlers were
United Empire Loyalists. Many of the streets were named for these founding
fathers such as Sovereign, Hixon, Nelson and Belyea. These names can still
be found in families that continue to reside in the village. Bronte's first
harbour was completed 22 years after the village was founded.
For years it
was a commercial shipping centre for grain and timber but with the coming of
the railway, the villagers turned to commercial fishing and, in the late
18th century, Bronte became a fishing port.
Another notable resident of the village was the world famous author, Mazo de
la Roche, whose works, the "Jalna Series", have been widely read around the
world. She wrote these books while she and her family lived in one of the
founding fathers' homes, the Sovereign House. This home has been preserved
and is home to the Bronte Historical Society and is open to the public.
From its small beginnings to the changes that have passed through the
village over the years, it is a pleasant mix of old and new. In 1954 Bronte
Village officially became part of the Town of Oakville.
Today, Bronte is in the midst of a renaissance as a thriving centre of
commerce, tourism, and development. The incredible demand for residential
and commercial establishment in Bronte Village has spurred local media
attention and redevelopment projects to meet the overwhelming demand.
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Sovereign House
(Built 1823)
Stoneboats
(Built 1834)
Glendella House
(Built 1845)
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