History

Namesake

The Black Thorn was established in 1999.

Its namesake is a lot like a large shrub. The wood is mainly used to produce Irish Shillelaghs. The bark is left on for added toughness and often a metal ferrule is secured at the end opposite of the knob. Ours is hanging just above the middle arch at the bar.

The Black Thorn also produces berries which have powerful medicinal uses. They have been found in archaeological sites dating back to 8,000 B.C. Black Thorn berries stimulate the metabolism and cleanse the blood.

A fitting name since we are always trying to find new ways to combine healthier food choices with old world favorites.

Building History

The Black Thorn is proudly located in a National Capital Commission building.

This was once the home of Albert Thibert and his family. Monsieur Thibert was a nineteenth century carriage master (the mechanic of his day) who lived upstairs and operated his business on the main floor.

We are very fortunate to have an original photograph of Monsieur Thibert standing in his carriage shop circa 1860. We have had the original photograph digitally restored and enlarged. You can see Albert standing to the right of the two French doors that still lead to Clarence street today. The ceiling supports in the photo can still be found at either end of the bar and a carriage in for repair can be seen on the left.

The photograph can be found just outside the washrooms.

Courtyard History

The largest of the Sussex Courts, the Tin House Court gets its name from an actual house façade hung on one of the limestone walls framing the courtyard.

Decorated with tin by its owner Honore Foisy, a tinsmith in the early 20th century, the Tin House was saved from demolition by the NCC. It was restored in the early 1970’s and the façade was hung in the courtyard in 1973.

A large round fountain sits in the center of the courtyard, creating background noise to dull any sounds of traffic.

After almost thirty years, the design of the Tin House Court remains unchanged.