Fort Royal (Newfoundland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Royal (Newfoundland) |
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| overlooking Placentia Bay, Newfoundland | |
Ruins of the fort
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| Type | French fort |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1687 |
Fort Royal was an important French fort built in 1687 on the island of Newfoundland. It was part of New France, the areas in North America that France controlled a long time ago. This fort helped protect French interests in a busy fishing area.
Contents
Fort Royal: A French Stronghold in Newfoundland
Fort Royal was built by the French in 1687. It was located on a tall hill that looked over Placentia Bay. This bay was very important because it was close to the Grand Banks, an area known for lots of fish. The fort was meant to protect the French people and their activities in this valuable region.
Why the French Came to Newfoundland
In 1662, the French set up a trading post in Newfoundland. This post was on a well-protected hill overlooking Placentia Bay. This bay separates the Avalon Peninsula from the rest of Newfoundland. The French were interested in the rich fishing grounds nearby, especially the Grand Banks. They needed a safe place to process and ship their fish.
Building Forts for Protection
To keep Placentia Bay safe from rivals, especially the English, the French built several forts around the hill. These included:
- Fort Plaisance (built in 1662)
- Fort Royal (built in 1687)
- Fort Saint Louis (built in 1690)
Fort Royal was built right at the top of the hill. From this high spot, it could easily watch over the entire bay and the nearby port village of Plaisance.
What Fort Royal Was Used For
Fort Royal was more than just a strong wall. It was a main defense point, like a strong tower or a safe room, called a "bastion." It also served as the home for the French governor of the area. This meant it was a very important place for both military protection and local government.
The End of French Control
In 1713, a big agreement called the Treaty of Utrecht was signed. This treaty changed who controlled many lands around the world. For the French in Newfoundland, it meant they had to leave their settlements.
After the treaty, the English took over. They renamed Fort Royal and Fort Saint Louis to "Castle Hill." The village of Plaisance also got a new name: "Placentia." Many French people living there had to move. They went to Isle Royale, which is now Cape Breton Island in Canada. There, they started building a new fort and town called Louisbourg.
