The Avalon Colony: England's First Settlement in Newfoundland (1623)

The first English proprietary colony on Newfoundland was Avalon, established in 1623 by Sir George Calvert (later 1st Lord Baltimore).

Founding & Location

• Grant: 1620 charter from James I for "Avalon" — entire southeast peninsula (Avalon Peninsula).
• Settlement: Ferryland (main base), plus St. John's, Renews, Aquaforte as seasonal fishing stations.
• Calvert's vision: Year-round agricultural colony + fishery + haven for English Catholics.

Struggles & Failure

• Climate: Harsh winters, short growing season — crops failed.
• French raids: 1626, 1629 (de Razilly) destroyed property.
• Beothuk conflict: Indigenous people displaced; mutual violence.
• Mismanagement: Agents (Wynne, Hill) quarreled; Calvert visited 1627–28, left disillusioned.
• 1629: Calvert petitioned for Maryland charter (granted 1632); abandoned Avalon.

Legacy

• Archaeology: Ferryland site (1990s+) reveals stone mansion, forge, bakery, cobblestone street, 2M+ artifacts — best-preserved early colonial site in Canada.
• Permanent English presence: Despite Calvert's exit, fishermen stayed. By 1670s, ~2,000 year-round residents.
• Lord Baltimore connection: Calvert's Maryland charter drew directly on Avalon experience (religious tolerance, manor system).

Visit Today

Colony of Avalon National Historic Site (Ferryland) — active dig, visitor centre, reconstructed kitchen, gardens. 1h south of St. John's.

Avalon failed as a proprietary venture but seeded the permanent English Newfoundland that became Canada's youngest province (1949).