Ferryland in Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador — The Atlantic Provinces (North America)
Colony of Avalon
La colonie d’Avalon
— Sir David Kirke, c. 1597-1654 —
English:
Near this site stood the “Mansion House” built between 1621 and 1625 by Captain E. Wynne, resident governor of the Colony of Avalon, for the proprietor, Sir George Calvert (later Lord Baltimore), who took up residence here in 1628. The active hostility of transient fishermen and costly raids by French privateers and warships led Calvert to abandon his colony in 1629. Ferryland, however, continued to be an important fishing and commercial station and the “Mansion House” became the seat of Sir David Kirke’s government of Newfoundland between 1637 and 1650.
French:
Près de cet emplacement d’élevait la “Mansion House” construite entre 1621 et 1625 par le capitaine E. Wynne, Gouverneur résidant de la colonie d’Avalon, pour le propriétaire Sir George Calvert (devenu plus tard Lord Baltimore) qui vint s’y établir en 1628. L’hostilité ouverte des pêcheurs saisonniers et le coúteuses razzias menées par des corsaires et des vaisseaux de guerre français amenèrent Calvert à abandonner sa colonie en 1629. Ferryland continuait toutefois à tenir le rôle important de station de pêche et de commerce et la “Mansion House” devint le siège du gouvernement de Terre-Veuve de Sir David Kirke de 1637 à 1650.
c. 1597-1654
English:
In 1637 Sir David Kirke became governor of Newfoundland, his royal patent supplanting Lord Baltimore's proprietary claim to the Colony of Avalon. The Newfoundland Coat of Arms is that granted to Kirke as governor. In 1639 Kirke took possession of Baltimore's "Mansion House" and, despite restrictions forbidding coastal settlement, established an efficient government in a prosperous colony. He successfully defended himself against charges brought by opponents of his royalist activities but was later arrested at the suit of Baltimore for the seizure of Ferryland. He died in London in the Clink prison.
French:
En 1637, le roi nomma Kirke gouverneur de Terre-Neuve, révoquant ainsi les droits de propriété de lord Baltimore sur la colonie d'Avalon. Les armoiries de Terre-Neuve sont celles qui furent accordées à Kirke comme gouverneur. En 1639, il s'installa dans la Mansion House de Baltimore et, malgré des interdictions touchant les établissements côtieres, it établit un gouvernement compétent dans une colonie prospère. Il se défendit avec succès contre les accusations des parlementaristes, mais il fut plus tard arrêté à la requête de Baltimore pour s'être emparé de Ferryland. Il mourut en prison en 1654.
Erected by Historic Sites and Monument Board of Canada/Commission de lieux et monuments historique du Canada.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1621.
Location. 47° 1.44′ N, 52° 53.063′ W. Marker is in Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, in Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland. Marker can be reached from Newfoundland and Labrador Route 10, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ferryland NL A0A, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ferryland (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); The French Attack Ferryland (approx. half a kilometer away).
More about this marker. This monument is near the Colony of Avalon visitors centre.
Also see . . . Sir David Kirke - Dictionary of Canadian Biography. David Kirke’s character remains obscure and controversial, heroic to some English writers, piratical to some French. His actions at Quebec have been denounced as those of a violent and grasping religious bigot,... In an age of violence Kirke behaved in Newfoundland like a self-appointed king of the fishery island, ousting Lord Calvert’s agent and imposing his own order on the transient fishing fleet. (Submitted on December 8, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2017. It was originally submitted on December 8, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 419 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on December 8, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.