The settlement consisting of 22 houses is destroyed by the French. The French report that the houses are "the best built in all Newfoundland". Carbonear Island was used for defence. 1705 – The French burned the town. Residents defended themselves on Carbonear Island. 1729 - Carbonear is designated one of the six Judiciary districts in Newfoundland. Two of the first Justices of the Peace, William Pinn and Charles Garland are assigned to the district. 1743 - British build a fort on Carbonear Island and garrison it with troops. 1755 - Roman Catholics convicted for saying the Mass and having confession. Magistrates ordered to suppress RC services and to exile priests. 1762 - Successful invasion of Carbonear Island by the French during the Seven Years' War. Fort burned. 1767 – The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel establish an Anglican church at Carbonear. 1775 – Carbonear attacked by American privateers. 1788 – The first Methodist church in Carbonear is erected, the largest of this denomination in Newfoundland. 1812 - Cannon erected on Harbour Rock Hill to protect against American attacks. 1816 - Stores looted by mobs 1826 – Newfoundland School Society is established in Carbonear and has 100 students. 1826 - First Catholic church built and dedicated to St. Patrick. A Catholic parish had existed since 1784. 1832 - Sealers' strikes and riots. 1835 - Newspaper journalist Henry David Winton attacked on Saddle Hill by 5 assailants and had his ears cut off over religious comments. 1836 - Gut Bridge built linking Carbonear's North and South sides. 1840 - Political riots lead to the dissolution of the Legislature and the suspension of the constitution. 1841 - Volunteer Fire Department established. 1852 - Telegraph line to St. John's becomes operational. 1859 - Fire destroys much of Carbonear. 1861 - One man killed in riots. 1862 – Hungry mobs dressed as mummers loot the streets in what is known as The Winter of the Rals or The Mummers' Riot. Troops from the St John's garrison are sent to restore order. 1864 - St. James' Anglican Church completed 1866 – The Grammar School (established in 1838) is closed; students are divided between Roman Catholic and Protestant boards equally. 1870 - Rorke Stores built on Water Street and quickly become the unofficial commercial centre of the town. 1891 - St. Patrick's Catholic church completed. Previous chapel converted to a convent. 1898 - Rail line