List of governors of Newfoundland and Labrador facts for kids

Newfoundland and Labrador, a province in Canada, has a long history of leaders who represented the King or Queen. These leaders have had different titles over the years, like "Proprietary Governors," "Commodore-Governors," and today, "Lieutenant Governors." Their main job was to oversee the area and make sure things ran smoothly, acting on behalf of the British Crown. The role of Lieutenant Governor in Newfoundland and Labrador officially started when the province joined Canada in 1949, but it continues a tradition of leadership that began way back in 1610.

Early Leaders: Proprietary Governors (1610–1728)

In the very early days, Newfoundland had "Proprietary Governors." These were individuals who were given land by the King of England and had the right to govern it. They were like landlords with special powers to rule their own colonies within Newfoundland. They were responsible for setting up settlements and managing the first communities.

• John Guy was one of the first, governing the Cuper's Cove area from 1610 to 1614.
• John Mason followed him in Cuper's Cove from 1615 to 1621.
• Later, important figures like George Calvert, the 1st Baron Baltimore, and his son Cecilius Calvert, the 2nd Baron Baltimore, were governors of the Avalon Peninsula, trying to establish colonies there.
• Sir David Kirke was a significant governor for all of Newfoundland, starting in 1638.

French Governors of Plaisance (1655–1713)

While the English were settling parts of Newfoundland, the French also had a presence, especially in a place called Plaisance (now Placentia). They had their own governors who represented the King of France. These governors managed the French colony and its fishing interests until 1713, when the French gave up their claims to Newfoundland to the British.

• Some of the French governors included Sieur de Kéréon (1655–1660) and Daniel d'Auger de Subercase (1702–1706).

British Lieutenant-Governors of Placentia (1713–1770)

After the British took full control of Newfoundland, they appointed Lieutenant-Governors for Placentia. These leaders were under the authority of the Governor of Nova Scotia and Placentia. They helped manage the local affairs in Placentia, which was an important port.

• John Moody was the first British Lieutenant-Governor of Placentia, serving from 1714 to 1717.
• Samuel Gledhill had a long term from 1717 to 1729.

Naval Leaders: Commodore-Governors (1729–1825)

For a long time, Newfoundland's governors were "Commodore-Governors." These were high-ranking officers from the British Royal Navy. Their main job was to protect the fishing fleets that came from England to fish off Newfoundland's coasts every spring. They also helped keep law and order and reported on the fishing industry to the British government.

By 1818, more and more people were living in Newfoundland permanently, so it made sense to have a governor who lived there all the time, not just during the fishing season.

• Some notable Commodore-Governors included Henry Osborn (1729–1730), Thomas Smith (who served twice), and Sir Hugh Palliser (1764–1768).
• Sir Charles Hamilton was the last Commodore-Governor, serving until 1825.

Civil Governors of Newfoundland (1825–1855)

After the Commodore-Governors, Newfoundland began to have "Civil Governors." These were leaders who were not necessarily naval officers. Their role was to manage the growing colony and its people.

• Sir Thomas John Cochrane was the first Civil Governor, serving from 1825 to 1834.
• Other important civil governors included Sir Henry Prescott and Sir John Harvey.

Colonial Governors of Newfoundland (1855–1907)

As Newfoundland continued to grow and develop, its leaders were known as "Colonial Governors." These governors were appointed by the British Crown and oversaw the colony's affairs, working with local councils and elected officials.

• Sir Charles Henry Darling was the first Colonial Governor, starting in 1855.
• Sir Alexander Bannerman and Sir Anthony Musgrave were also significant figures during this period.
• Sir William MacGregor was the last Colonial Governor, serving until 1907.

Governors of the Dominion of Newfoundland (1907–1934)

In 1907, Newfoundland became a "Dominion," which meant it was a self-governing country within the British Empire, similar to Canada or Australia. The leaders were then called "Governors of the Dominion of Newfoundland." They still represented the British monarch but had a slightly different role in a more independent country.

• Sir William MacGregor continued as Governor when Newfoundland became a Dominion.
• Sir Walter Edward Davidson and Sir Charles Alexander Harris were also Governors during this time.
• Sir David Murray Anderson was the last Governor of the Dominion before a new form of government was introduced.

Commission Governors of Newfoundland (1934–1949)

During a difficult economic period, Newfoundland's self-government was paused, and it was ruled by a "Commission of Government." The leaders during this time were called "Commission Governors." They worked with a group of appointed officials to manage the country.

• Sir David Murray Anderson continued as the first Commission Governor.
• Sir Humphrey T. Walwyn served through much of this period, including during World War II.
• Gordon MacDonald was the last Commission Governor, serving until Newfoundland joined Canada.

Lieutenant Governors of Newfoundland (1949–1999)

When Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949, it became a province. The Queen's representative in a Canadian province is called a "Lieutenant Governor." This role is similar to the Governor General of Canada, but at the provincial level. The Lieutenant Governor performs many important duties, like opening the provincial legislature, giving royal assent to laws, and representing the Crown at ceremonies.

• Sir Albert Walsh was the very first Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland, appointed in 1949.
• Sir Leonard Outerbridge followed him, serving until 1957.
• Other Lieutenant Governors during this period included Fabian O'Dea and James McGrath.

Lieutenant Governors of Newfoundland and Labrador (1999–Present)

In 1999, the province officially changed its name to Newfoundland and Labrador. The role of the Lieutenant Governor continued, representing the Queen (and now the King) in the province.

#	Image	Name	Term start	Term end
78.		Arthur Maxwell House	1999	2002
79.		Edward Roberts	2002	2008
80.		John Crosbie	2008	2013
81.		Frank Fagan	2013	2018
82.		Judy Foote	2018	2023
83.		Joan Marie Aylward	2023	Present

Images for kids

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  John Guy, one of the first Proprietary Governors.

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  The official badge of the Lieutenant Governor.

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  George Calvert, 1st Baron Baltimore.

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  Cecilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore.

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  Sir David Kirke.

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  The Royal Coat of Arms of France, representing French governors.

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  Daniel d'Auger de Subercase, a French Governor of Plaisance.

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  Philippe Pastour de Costebelle, another French Governor.

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  Captain Henry Osborn, an early Commodore-Governor.

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  FitzRoy Henry Lee.

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  Henry Medley.

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  Commodore Thomas Smith.

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  John Byng.

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  Sir Charles Hardy.

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  John Bradstreet.

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  Charles Watson.

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  The Lord Rodney.

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  Francis William Drake.

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  Richard Edwards.

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  Thomas Graves, 1st Baron Graves.

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  Sir Hugh Palliser.

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  John Byron.

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  Molyneux Shuldham.

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  Robert Duff.

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  John Montagu.

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  John Campbell.

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  William Waldegrave.

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  Sir Charles Morice Pole.

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  James Gambier.

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  Sir Erasmus Gower.

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  John Holloway.

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  Sir John Thomas Duckworth.

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  Sir Richard Goodwin Keats.

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  Sir Charles Hamilton.

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  Sir Thomas John Cochrane.

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  Sir Henry Prescott.

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  Sir John Harvey.

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  Sir John Le Marchant.

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  Ker Baillie-Hamilton.

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  Sir Charles Henry Darling.

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  Sir Alexander Bannerman.

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  Sir Anthony Musgrave.

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  Sir Stephen John Hill.

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  Sir John Hawley Glover.

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  Sir Henry Berkeley Fitzhardinge Maxse.

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  Sir William Des Vœux.

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  Sir Henry Arthur Blake.

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  Sir John Terence Nicholls O'Brien.

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  Sir Herbert Harley Murray.

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  Sir Henry Edward McCallum.

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  Sir Charles Cavendish Boyle.

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  Sir William MacGregor.

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  Sir Ralph Champneys Williams.

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  Sir Walter Edward Davidson.

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  Sir Charles Alexander Harris.

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  Sir William Allardyce.

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  Sir John Middleton.

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  Sir David Murray Anderson.

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  Sir Humphrey T. Walwyn.

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  Gordon MacDonald.

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  Ewart John Arlington Harnum.