Welcome to Blackfriars
If you are interested in knowing more about the background of the publishing company, why it is called Blackfriars, and the history behind it, read on!
The website banner portrays the bridge in London Ontario for which it is named. Blackfriars Bridge – which crosses the Thames River at the east end of Blackfriars Street – is the oldest remaining bow string arched bridge anywhere. Constructed in 1875 to replace a wooden bridge, it has, over the years, required upkeep and repair, but still carries traffic and pedestrians.
Our family (Mickey and Donna Simpson) moved to a house on Blackfriars Street in 1969, and I (Donna) have lived nearby for most of the many years after.
The bridge is a symbol of the historic Blackfriars neighbourhood, and important personally to me and my late sister Mickey. We photographed it in all seasons, relishing its beauty and heritage.
These photos of the bridge, and of us on or near the bridge, attest to our long-term love of this wonderful city, and historic neighbourhood.
*All Photographs are copyright by Donna Lea Simpson and the late Mickey Simpson.
Land Acknowledgement to come: at Blackfriars Publishing we acknowledge that we reside on First Nations land that has been inhabited from time immemorial, and plan to add to our site the land acknowledgement, and a bit about the original names of what we now call the Thames River. But we want to get it right, so we will be adding it when we have done the work to craft a statement that reflects our deference to those who were first to traverse this river and the trails along it.
Blackfriars BridgeBash 2026!
On September 6th the Blackfriars neighbourhood hosted Blackfriars BridgeBash 2026, an arts festival centered on and around the Blackfriars Bridge. Artists and crafters came together to sell their wares, while music blasted from live band and the Rotary club sold hot dogs and hamburgers. A firefighting crew turned up with a fire engine, giving kids and adults a close-up look at the vehicle, and the local organization sold Blackfriars Bridge clothing and totes. Here are some of the artists and artisans we celebrated:
Art:
Art by Aura – https://www.artbyauraburditt.com/
Kevin Bice – https://www.kevinbice.com/
Gail Gifford – https://www.lambethart.com/g-gifford-gallery
Artisans and Gardeners:
All My Little People – https://www.facebook.com/allmylittlepeople
The Schoonder’s Plot – IG – @the.schoonders.plot
Music by:
Shelly Faris – https://www.shellyfarismusic.com/
And much more!
