Contact Us: puffins-whales@nf.sympatico.ca
|
Contact Us: puffins-whales@nf.sympatico.ca |
|
|
|
16th - 17th Century
The town of Bay Bulls is located on the Southern Shore of the Avalon Peninsula. It is approximately 30km from St. John's, and is one of the oldest settlements in Newfoundland.
Bay Bulls first appeared on a map drawn by Thomas Hood in 1592. The origin of the town's name is somewhat a mystery. Some Historians believe it originated from the French "Baie de Bois," meaning "Wooded Bay," while others believe the name came from the "Bull Bird" or Dovekie which nested in and around the settlement.
European fishermen and merchants from countries like France, Spain, and Portugal first used the harbour. By 1635, a small group of English stayed the entire Winter to protect their masters' fishing stages. During the Summer, there would be many other people who stayed to fish but would return in the Fall.
In 1665, Bay Bulls was captured by Dutch sailors under the command of Admiral De Ryter. They proceeded to raid the entire community, but left soon afterwards. This would not be the last time the community would be taken under siege by foreign forces; the French and English would capture and recapture the bay during a long war between the two mother countries. In 1675, the town had a permanent settlement of 83 people; 64 of whom were male servants!
On September 11, 1696, Bay Bulls was attacked and captured by a French fleet led by Monsieur De Broiullon, the Governor of Placentia. Broiullon was returning from a failed attempt to capture St. John's when this occurred. At the time, the town of Bay Bulls was only guarded by a lone 32 gun British vessel (the H.M.S Sapphire). In the process of the capture, the Captain of H.M.S. Sapphire, Tomas Cleasby, ordered the crew to abandon ship and take refuge in Bay Bulls - the ship was burnt and the remains lie under the sea near Gatheralls Boat Company, which is now a protected historical site.
18th Century
The French invaders remained in Bay Bulls until 1705, burning the community before they returned to Placentia. Nevertheless, the town's people rebuilt again, but were recaptured by the French only two years later! The French left the town again, and did not return until 55 years later in 1761. Forces led by Admiral De Terri invaded the town, unleashing 700 men upon the shores (at the time, Bay Bulls still had a small number of residents - 47 families). Once they completed their mission in Bay Bulls, they continued on towards St. John's, overtaking the British fleet that were stationed there. Soon afterwards, the British sent strong reinforcements, and the French quickly retreated from both St. John's and Bay Bulls. Once again, the town was re-stabilized, and Bay Bulls continued to grow after this tumultuous period.