The Story of a Princess from Carbonear

In Carbonear, there is a gravesite of Sheila NaGeira. Newfound News Kyle Brookings.

Carbonear is known for many things, from its early settlement to serving as a maritime hub. There is also a story about a princess.

A legend tells of a woman named Sheila who was born into Gaelic Irish nobility and was being sent to France for education when her ship was attacked. She was rescued by a fleet under the command of English privateer Peter Easton and brought to Newfoundland.

It was during the voyage that she was said to have fallen in love with and married Gilbert Pike, Easton’s navigating officer. The couple reportedly settled first at Mosquito (now Bristol’s Hope) and later in Carbonear.

She appears on the coat of arms of Carbonear, and the Princess Sheila NaGeira Theatre is named for her.

Sheila NaGeira is a legendary figure; her historical existence remains unproven.