Kirke, Sir David National Historic Person
Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador
Plaque
(© Parks Canada Agency / Agence Parcs Canada, 2005.)
Address :
Near Highway 10, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
1968-11-28
Life Date:
1597 to 1654
Other Name(s):
-
Kirke, Sir David
(Designation Name)
Importance:
Governor of Newfoundland (1637-51)
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: near the entrance to The Downs, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador
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.