A County Named for Radical Jack

Would you like to have a place named after you?

The area now known as Lambton County was named in 1849, in honour of John George Lambton, the first Earl of Durham. His family name "Lambton" was chosen instead of his title "Durham" because there was already a Durham County in Canada West.

John George Lambton (1792-1840) was born in London, England. He followed in his father's footsteps and entered politics. Lambton earned the nickname 'Radical Jack' because he supported liberal causes and helped draft the Reform Bill of 1832. The resulting act changed Britain's electoral system and extended the right to vote.

In 1838, he was made governor general of British North America and came to Canada to investigate the causes of the rebellions of 1837-38. It didn't go well. He quit before the end of the year and submitted a controversial report in January 1839. This report recommended the legislative union of Upper Canada and Lower Canada and outlined a framework for responsible government.

John George Lambton didn't live to see the fulfillment of his recommendations. He passed away in 1840. In 1841, Upper Canada and Lower Canada were united into a single Province of Canada. In 1848, responsible, local, self-government was established. His 1839 report played an important role in the development of Canadian democracy and the evolution of political independence from Britain. In spite of that accomplishment, he has been criticized because of his desire to assimilate French Canadians.

Lambton Heritage Museum has its own 'Radical Jack.' Our lovable black cat, better known as simply Jack, is named after John George Lambton.