A Toronto-based couple discovered a taste of home while visiting England- a chapel owned and run by Canadian authorities.

Kirsten Mairi, 32, and her English-born partner, Joel Prowting, 30, were visiting Joel's family in Swindon, Wiltshire, between August 25 and September 6.

Kirsten is a history content creator so was already aware of this Canadian site based in England and suggested that the family go for a visit.

On August 30, Kirsten, Joel and his family travelled down to Devon and visited Wolford Chapel- a site owned and run by the Ontario Heritage Trust.

The 18th century building is property of the Government of Ontario and flies a Canadian flag, despite technically being on British soil.

READ MORE: A LOOK INSIDE: Honiton’s unique Canadian chapel

 

Kirsten and Joel explored the site and recorded their findings, which included the resting place of John Simcoe, the first Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and his wife.

Kirsten, a history content creator based in Toronto, Canada, said: "It was a pretty cool experience.

"We don't have buildings like this or this old in Canada, so it's such a treat to be able to see one and walk through one.

"Joel's family were definitely confused when I suggested we 'stop by Canada' on our trip, but I'm so glad we did!"

The site was acquired in 1966 by the John Graves Simcoe Memorial Foundation on behalf of the people of Ontario from British publisher, Sir Geoffrey Harmsworth.

Since then, the building has been considered Canadian territory.

The chapel is still legally on UK land, so no embassy is required for it being there and you don't need a passport to enter.

Kirsten said: "When we first got there, we weren't sure if we were allowed to go in, but it looked pretty abandoned so we just wandered about.

"From what we could tell, the place isn't regularly kept up by anyone in particular.

"We found records that someone had recently gotten married there and, randomly, a stack of CDs left for visitors which just had a man's pro-Brexit rant on them.

"The chapel doesn't have regular services or anything like that, but seems pretty open to visitors and in good condition."