Treason Trials
("Ancaster Bloody Assize, 1814")

 

In the spring of 1814 the Government of Upper Canada conducted a series of trials of men accused of aiding the American forces the previous year during the enemy occupation of the Niagara and Western districts. The assize (court hearing) was held at the small community of Ancaster (part of Hamilton today). Fifteen were convicted of treason. The sentences of seven were eventually commuted to expulsion from the province. The remaining eight were hanged at Ancaster in July, 1814.

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