The castle was built by Nelson Gilbert Reynolds, Sheriff of
Ontario County, as a private residence in 1859. Reynolds was named after
Lord Nelson and named his castle Trafalgar in honour of the
Battle of Trafalgar. The castle was the largest private dwelling in Canada until
Casa Loma was built. It cost Reynolds $70,000, which was an exorbitant sum; a home at that time was built for $2,000, and a bank complete with vault could be built for $5,000 to $7,000. Reynolds was a colourful character and a gambling man, and indeed it was gambling losses that reportedly forced him to sell his beloved home to the
Methodists in 1874 for the sum of $30,000. The Methodists of that day were very interested in establishing higher learning institutions for young women. Rev. J. E. Sanderson convinced the Town of Whitby that this would be beneficial to its economy. James Holden, Esq. founder of the
Dominion Bank, a local politician and businessman (with 5 daughters of his own) supported this idea. Sanderson and Holden were instrumental in raising the money and shares for the purchase of the castle and the establishment of Ontario Ladies' College. Trafalgar Castle hosted its share of royalty and dignitaries through the years; both as Reynolds' residence, then as Ontario Ladies' College and now as Trafalgar Castle School. Exterior shots of the building were used as "Collinwood" in the 2012 film
Dark Shadows. The building has also appeared in other films such as
The Vow, starring
Channing Tatum,
Detroit Rock City,
Strike!,
The Skulls, and
I Shall Never Forget. ==Student life==