Ferryland: The Colony of Avalonia

by B.D. Fardy

Ferryland is one of the oldest settlements in Newfoundland and Labrador. Established in 1620 as Newfoundland’s second successful colony by Sir George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore, Ferryland was first recorded on maps as early as 1550 with the French name Forillon, meaning cape or point. Both the French and Portuguese used its safe harbour as a fishing station until the early seventeenth century, when the English became dominant in the fishery off the east coast of Newfoundland and Lord Baltimore established his Colony of Avalonia there.

During the next three centuries, the English dominated the fishery on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland and steadily expanded their grip on Britain’s oldest colony. The bountiful cod fishery brought thousands of Irish “youngsters” out to Talonvanish, “the far-off island of fish,” and most of them settled along the east coast of the Avalon Peninsula, from St. John’s to St. Mary’s Bay.

Ferryland’s long history of almost 500 years has been a colourful and at times difficult one, but the community survived all hardships and remains today the vibrant and historical “Capital” of the “Shore.”

220 pages, Paperback

First published August 26, 2005

Reviews

[Pooch Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

During the summer, having a picnic at the Ferryland Lighthouse is always a deliciously scenic adventure. Sitting outside on a blanket, with rugged coastal terrain and waves splashing all around, you can almost feel the 500 years of history attached to the area. An archaeological dig near the lighthouse revealed remnants of one of the first settlements in North America. Conflict over the flourishing cod fishery at the time shaped Newfoundland's and North America's history and culture as we know of today. My favorite chapter is about the Masterless Men. Lots of detailed illustrations as well. Excellent for history buffs.