Canadian Historic Sites: Occasional Papers in Archaeology and History No. 1

The Roma Settlement at Brudenell Point, Prince Edward Island

by Margaret Coleman

Abstract

In 1731, the Compagnie de l'Est de I'lle Saint-Jean was established to engage both in a commercial fishing venture and in settling the eastern part of Ile Saint-Jean, now Prince Edward Island. Jean Pierre Roma, the director, came to Brudenell Point in June, 1732, and began his task of setting up a colony. Disagreements with the clergy and with his partners in France plagued Roma during the first years of the establishment, and in 1737, he became sole proprietor. Despite losses through shipwreck and plagues of mice and grasshoppers, he struggled on until 1745. In June of that year, a detachment of British troops sent from Louisbourg completely destroyed the establishment. Roma escaped with his family to Quebec and Martinique, and his project was abandoned.

1 Location of Brudenell Point, Prince Edward Island. (click on image for a PDF version)