The new fort: an examination of the design and construction of an 18th-century fort in Placentia, Newfoundland

Cromwell, Thomas E.G.S. (2011) The new fort: an examination of the design and construction of an 18th-century fort in Placentia, Newfoundland. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

From the very beginning of its history, Placentia, Newfoundland was shaped by the struggle between France and England. However, as is often forgotten in traditional histories, the actions of colonial agents are not dictated solely by their own will, but also by a host of other factors. By examining the archaeological and documentary record of the British New Fort it will become clear that there are design features and construction techniques present in its architecture which are the result of actions taken by the British to address a variety of external influences, specifically environmental and military, which were unique to Placentia. These adaptations to a particular colonial environment by a colonial agent will serve a microcosm through which the wider history of colonial and imperial conflicts can be examined. This paper will focus on outlining how these influences can be identified and examined as well as illustrating how they can be draw together to create a much more nuanced understanding of how and why colonial agents, such as the British, attempted to reach their own goal of dominance while coping with the numerous external factors unique to particular locations.

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