#ExperienceTO: Runnymede Historical Tour

About Runnymede's history: The name Runnymede originates with the estate of John Scarlett, an early land owner in the area. (If we go further back in history, we notice that Runnymede, England was the site of the sealing of the Magna Carta, the 'Great Charter of Freedoms'. Sealed in 1215 by King John, the Magna Carta aimed to bring England's sovereigns under the rule of law and was the foundation for the country's legal system.) John Scarlett owned land in the area as early as 1817, and he gave the name Runnymede to his house on Dundas Street. In 1856, Scarlett's holdings bounded by Jane, St. Clair, Clendenan and Annette were purchased by Marcus Rossin, who sub-divided the lands as the Runnymede Estate.

Join us for a FREE, public walking tour that will be a good experience for anyone: whether you’re 8 or 80 years old, and whether you’re a curious local, solo traveler, backpacker, newcomer, or part of a group of friends.

ABOUT

Beginning in front of St John's Pantry (431 St Johns Rd, York, ON M6S 2L1), the interactive tour will be hosted by your guide Alex Rășcanu. Local resident, author of two local history books ("Pop-Up Golf Course" and "Topham" small books) and Everything Runnymede creator Jim Adams will be a guest speaker. The tour will focus on Runnymede's history. The historical tour will conclude at a nearby coffee shop.

WHEN

Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 11:00am. The tour will last approximately 90 minutes.

WHERE TO MEET

The tour will start in front of St John's Pantry (431 St Johns Rd, York, ON M6S 2L1).

WHERE IT ENDS

This tour will end at Gigli Caffe, where you can order coffee/tea/brunch and spend some more time speaking and connecting with fellow historical tour participants.

GUEST SPEAKER
Jim Adams is a Runnymede resident, the author of two local history books ("Pop-Up Golf Course" and "Topham" small books) and the creator of Everything Runnymede. Stay in touch with him on LinkedIn.

FACILITATOR
Alex Rășcanu is a Torontonian, a husband, a father of four, and an avid student of our city's history. Stay in touch with him on LinkedIn / X / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube.

#ExperienceTO Runnymede Historical Tour

Host or Publisher Alex Rascanu