Exploring Archives: The Quirky, Creepy, and Mystifying - Courthouse Monkeys

Have you seen the monkeys on the Oxford County Courthouse?

By Megan Lockhart, Archives Technician

Have you spotted the monkeys in the Oxford County Courthouse Square? In this edition of “Exploring Archives: The Quirky, Creepy, and Mystifying” I’m discussing all things monkey, and focusing more on local history than the archives. The monkeys I’m referring to are not real monkeys, but ornamental ones – although, as a treat you will find a photo from our collection featuring a real monkey at the end of this article!

Some of you may be familiar with the Courthouse monkeys I’m referring to, but some of you may be thinking, “What is she talking about?” The next time you are walking in the vicinity of the County Courthouse, which is located at 415 Hunter Street in Woodstock, Ontario, take a close look at the building, and you may be lucky enough to spot one of the monkey “grotesques” adorning the building.

The construction of the Oxford County Courthouse was completed in 1892 and the building was designed by architects Cuthbertson and Fowler in the Romanesque style. The Courthouse has many ornate design elements which are a feast for the eyes. One interesting feature to note are the famous (or infamous depending on who you ask) monkeys adorning the columns on each entranceway. Their little eyes peer out at passersby from the ornamentation on the columns, I’ve always felt they are somehow both creepy and cute. In the central gable on the front of the Courthouse between the two entrances a large monkey has been carved to appear as if it is grinning and climbing to the top of the building.

These features are known as “grotesques”, sculptural ornamentation that usually feature a mixture of plant, animal, and human forms. Grotesques, and the more commonly known gargoyles, often appeared as mythical creatures on buildings during the Middle Ages and were featured on churches as they were believed to ward off evil spirits. Grotesques became fashionable in architectural design in 16^th-century Italy with popularity spreading throughout Europe over time.

According to various records there are 8 monkeys on the building; however, a local legend states that there are 10, one for each member of County Council. According to this legend, the architect had a falling out with Council over finances and as an act of revenge included the monkeys on the building to represent the Council. Some local stories go even further to state that he involved a local “witch” who cursed the building for him. In reality, these are just local legends and, as with most local legends, there is no documented evidence supporting these stories – but they can be fun to hear from time to time.

Woodstock Collegiate Institute student Barbara Brown poses with her pet monkey, 1950.  

WCI Photograph Collection.