An historic cottage in east London that was the focus of much debate over its origins and age has been demolished.
City council voted eight to seven in favour of the demolition of 'Carling Cottage' in November, after an application from the new owners, who want to build a duplex on the site.
Located at 759 Elizabeth St., near Oxford and Adelaide streets, there are no records to confirm when it had been built, or by whom.
Some documents had suggested it was on the site before 1861, and had ties to Sir John Carling and pioneer Charles Henry, but those possibilities have been disputed.
It's position well back from any roadway also led to speculation that it predated current thoroughfares, and was built on a hill to overlook the city.
Prior to its most recent purchase, city records do show the building had been owned by just three families for the last 150 years and was once the farm house for a large swath of land surrounding it.
But the uncertainty meant city council was unwilling to stand in the way of its demolition despite the recommendations of the Heritage Advisory Committee and pleas from the public.
