Then & Now: Benares Historic House

Benares Historic House is a Georgian-style estate with more than 165 years of history.

Built in 1857 and restored in 1995 to reflect daily life in the World War One era, Benares was home to four generations of the Harris family. Filled with unique artifacts that are original to the house including letters and photographs rich with family stories, Benares truly provides an exceptional glimpse of the past.

In April 2008, Parks Canada unveiled a plaque at Benares Historic House to commemorate the national significance of Canadian writer Mazo de la Roche, who lived in the area in the 1920s. Benares is said by some to be the inspiration for Canadian author Mazo de la Roche’s famed Jalna novels. Mazo de la Roche did in fact live and write in her nearby home, Trail Cottage, and she became a close friend of the Harris family.

Benares Historic House was originally donated to the Ontario Heritage Trust in 1968 by three descendants of Captain James Harris: Geoffrey Harris Sayers, Dora Sayers Caro, and Barbara Sayers Larson. Opened to the public since 1995, Benares has been designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Visit Benares today!
https://www.mississauga.ca/arts-and-culture/locations/benares-historic-house/

 

Images: Heritage Mississauga & City of Mississauga