What is the origin of the word Newfoundland?
After John Cabot returned from Newfoundland in 1497, King Henry VII rewarded him with a pension of 10 pounds. This was written into the daybook of the King’s payments as “Item to hym that founde the new Isle – x li” [x li = 10 pounds]. After subsequent voyages by other explorers, the royal records referred to the “new isle” as “the new Ilande,” or “the new Ile” until September 1502 when these descriptive names were replaced with the words “the new founde land” and “the newe founde launde.” Thus, the word “Newfoundland” originates directly from the royal daybook of Henry VII.
