1634

Charles I of England grants the First Western Charter. This says that the captain of the first fishing vessel to arrive in a Newfoundland harbour each spring will become the fishing admiral for that season. The fishing admiral became the ruler for that year. At this time, British fishing captains try to stop settlers from staying in Newfoundland. The government in Britain allows this. Houses are burned and people are put out of their homes.  

1660s

The French set up a colony at Placentia. The first hospital in Newfoundland is built in Placentia at this time. For the next 40 years, control of Newfoundland will pass back and forth between the French and the English.  

1696-1697

Carbonear is the only English settlement in Newfoundland that is not ruined by French attacks. 

1699

King William III of England gives permission for people to make settlements. The powers of the fishing admirals are limited.

1713

Under the Treaty of Utrecht, the French lose all the territory they have in Newfoundland, but maintain fishing rights to the north shore (or French Shore), from Cape Bonavista to Point Riche. They are the only ones who can fish there.  

1726

A school is started in Bonavista with funding from the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. This is one of the first known schools in Newfoundland.  

1729

The first naval governor, Henry Osborne, is appointed. Now naval governors replace the fishing admirals. Osborne begins to establish courts and a police system.

1756-1763

The Seven Years War is fought between the French and the English. The French claim many settlements, including St. John’s.

1763

The Treaty of Paris ends the Seven Years War. The French maintain fishing rights to the French Shore and the territory of St. Pierre and Miquelon.  

1763

The population of settlers is about 12,000.