Why is this area called Agincourt? The name Scarborough—Agincourt carries echoes of a medieval battlefield far across the Atlantic. This place is more than just streets and houses. It is a tapestry woven with threads of history. It is a vibrant community and it is a testament to Toronto’s ever-evolving identity.
Agincourt’s story begins not in Canada but in France. The original Agincourt is the site of Henry V’s famous victory in 1415. But how did this French name end up in what is now Toronto?
In 1858 John Hill sought to open a post office for his general store. A friend suggested that he seek assistance from a French-Canadian member of parliament. The postmaster agreed on one condition. The new post office had to have a French name. Agincourt was chosen to perhaps mock the postmaster. Thus the village of Agincourt was born. It served a rural, agricultural population.
Imagine this intersection of Midland Avenue and Sheppard Avenue long ago. This was the heart of the original crossroads. A Presbyterian church stood proudly on the northeast corner. It evolved into today’s Knox United Church. Agincourt Public School followed in 1914. It later became Agincourt Junior Public School.
The arrival of the railway transformed Agincourt. In 1871 the first Agincourt railway station was built. This improved access and spurred growth. The community shifted westward along Main Street which is now Sheppard Avenue. It moved towards Church Street which is now Midland Avenue. By 1884 Agincourt boasted two railways. These lines connected Agincourt to the wider world.
Agincourt continued to grow into the 20th century. A telephone exchange arrived in 1903. Scarborough’s first full-fledged bank opened in 1906. By 1912 Agincourt was incorporated as a police village.
The late 20th century brought new waves of immigration. Agincourt became home to many Hong Kong Chinese and Taiwanese emigrants in the 1980s. Shopping centers sprung up catering to the Chinese community. Agincourt became a suburban Chinatown.
Today Scarborough—Agincourt is a vibrant blend of cultures and histories. It is a place where the echoes of a French battlefield mingle with the energy of a modern Canadian community. From its humble beginnings as a rural crossroads to its current status as a thriving multicultural hub Agincourt continues to evolve.