It was once leased to Sir Thomas Temple (1614-1674),[REF] a British proprietor and governor of Nova Scotia, and said to be a descendent of the renowned Lady Godiva of Coventry[REF][REF] although this descent was debunked by E. A. Freeman in the 19th century [REF].
During the winter of 1675-76 between 500 and 1,100 American Indians were held on the island and, without adequate food or shelter and because of exposure to harsh winter weather, many died.