Torbay National Historic Event

Torbay, Newfoundland and Labrador
HSMBC plaque commemorating the British attack on St. John's, 1762 (© Parks Canada / Parcs Canada, 1989)
HSMBC plaque
(© Parks Canada / Parcs Canada, 1989)
Address : Torbay, Newfoundland and Labrador

Recognition Statute: Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date: 1952-05-27

Other Name(s):
  • Torbay  (Designation Name)

Importance: Landing of British forces in 1762, prior to Battle of Signal Hill

Plaque(s)


Existing plaque:  Torbay, Newfoundland and Labrador

As the Seven Years War drew to a close in 1762 the Comte d'Haussonville led a final French attack on Newfoundland, seizing St. John's. When word of the loss reached the British in New York preparations were at once begun to retake the place; a military force commanded by Colonel William Amherst was despatched to Newfoundland, supported by a blockading fleet under Admiral Lord Colville. The British forces landed here at Torbay on 13 September and proceeded overland to St. John's, which they forced the French to surrender five days later.