Francis Pickmore

Who was Francis Pickmore?

Francis Pickmore naval officer and colonial governor born in Chester, Cheshire, England and died St. John's, Newfoundland.

Pickmore spent his early naval career in Newfoundland as a lieutenant in 1777 and by 1814 he had reached the rank of vice-admiral. He was appointed governor of Newfoundland in 1816.

Pickmore's term was marked by strife and severe economic depression that had hit the island following the Napoleonic wars and influx of Irish immigrants. Pickmore is noted as the first governor of Newfoundland to stay the winter. He died in St. John's and Captain John Bowker, a senior officer under Pickmore's command, acted as governor until Governor Sir Charles Hamilton arrived.