The tragic but romantic story of the spirit haunting Niagara-on-the-Lake B&B
Published October 27, 2023 at 12:28 pm
There is no shortage of reasons why couples would wait to spend the night at the romantic Brockamour Manor Bed and Breakfast in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Showcasing period furnishings, every room in the 19th-century bed and breakfast comes with a fireplace. There are 28 wineries within a 10-minute drive and three of those are within a 20-minute walk. After enjoying a four-course gourmet breakfast, guests can take a stroll through the on-site gardens. A game room complete with a fireplace offers movies, board games, and cards.
However, there’s one attraction to the manor that while romantic is also a little tragic. The one that doesn’t make it into the brochures is the spirit of “Sobbing Sophie” floating through the halls.
Here’s the backstory. In 1809, British Captain John Powell built this home for his wife Isabella which is now known as Brockamour Manor. Since his wife’s sister, Sophia, lived with them, it wasn’t long until she met a young man by the name of Isaac Brock and they quickly fell head over heels for each other. It is speculated that their burning love led to a secret engagement.
(Historical footnote: Before it was bought by Captain John Powell, this once-acre property belonged to Mohawk Chief Thayendanegea or Joseph Brant, a military and political leader who was closely associated with Great Britain during and after the American Revolution.)
This Isaac Brock fellow whom Sophia was so smitten with might be better known to most as Major-General Brock, who led his troops through a few key War of 1812 battles. Brock was no desk general – indeed, he led his foot troops into battle.
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However, on Oct. 13, 1812, at the age of 43, he fought his last at the Battle of Queenston Heights. When the American troops invaded, Brock rallied his men to charge up a hill where a musket ball struck him in the chest. He died on that very spot.
However, before the battle, he stopped at the manor to say goodbye to his darling Sophia. Hearing of his death, Sophia was said to be inconsolable, eventually dying at a young age which some claim was due to a broken heart. This same love is how the manor gained the name Brockamore – literally, Brock love.
However, because she died of a broken heart, guests have reported that they’ve seen “Sobbing Sophia” drifting through the halls of Brockamour Manor. However, visitors need not worry. Though sad, Sophie is said to be a friendly spirit.
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