In 1662, the French established a commercial counter on a well protected hill overlooking Placentia Bay which separates the Avalon Peninsula form the rest of Newfoundland island and situated near Grand Banks where fish are abundant. In order to protect the bay, several forts were erected around the hill, Fort Plaisance (1662), Fort Royal (1687) and Fort Saint Louis (1690). Fort Royal was constructed on the top of the hill which dominated the bay and the port village of Plaisance. Fort Royal served as bastion and home for the governor.