Torbay gained recognition in world history in 1978 and has been honored by being declared a National Historic Site, because of it's role in the famous Seven Years War between England and France. During that war, many battles between French and English were fought throughout Newfoundland and in many cases the residents of the communities being attacked had to defend themselves.
Torbay was considered a valued military strategic point and gun batteries were set up to protect it. The batteries were set up at Cox Marsh on Torbay Road, Piperstock Hill and one overlooking the bay. The Cox Marsh battery had two cannons mounted on 18 pound carronades, the Piperstock battery consisted of three cannons covering the approach from Middle Cove and the battery overlooking the bay, the largest one, which was constructed in 1773 on the south side, had four six-pounders mounted with one guard house.
In the last battle fought in the Seven Yeaars War, Colonel William Amherst used Torbay as the landing point to launch his attack on the French held Signal Hill in St. John's. More than 800 soldiers took part in the battle with help coming from a group of civilian fishermen from the Southern Shore known as Carter Navy. Amherst defeated the French and drove them from the city.
The British forces landed in Torbay on September 13, 1762 and proceeded overland to St. John's, where they forced the French to surrender, five days later.
The event was officially recognized in 1978 when a stone monument and plaque was unveiled opposite to the Torbay Post Office.
Taken from a booklet obtained at the Torbay Museum and a Swiler's booklet.
