Fernwood
This historic neighbourhood was named after early English settler Benjamin Pearse's home, Fernwood Manor, originally located at the corner of Vining and Begbie Streets (the home was demolished in 1969).
In 1853, one of the first public schools in British Columbia was built in Fernwood on the site that is now Central Middle School. In 1902, Francis Rattenbury designed Victoria High School, located on Fernwood Road near the commercial hub of the neighbourhood.
The first residential development in Fernwood started in the 1880's in the area bounded by Pembroke Street and Denman Street and consisted of small, inexpensive lots designed to attract wokers and tradespeople.
Today, Fernwood retains much of its character as well as offering a vibrant Square for its residents. At the intersection of Fernwood Road and Gladstone Street is the Belfry Theatre, the Fernwood Inn Pub, Stage Wine Bar, Lucy's In the Square Restaurant, Cornerstone Cafe and the Fernwood Community Association.
Fernwood is also home to the popular Fernwood Coffee Company, which offers fair trade and organic locally roasted coffee.