Ambrose Shea

Sir Ambrose Shea (17 September 1815 – 30 July 1905) was a political and business figure in colonial Newfoundland who later served as Governor of the Bahamas. He was one of two Newfoundland delegates to the Quebec Conference that led to Canadian Confederation.

Early life Shea was born in St. John's,, Newfoundland Colony, the fifth son of Henry Shea and Eleanor Ryan.

Political career Although he had been suggested as a candidate for the Newfoundland House of Assembly in 1842, Shea declined a nomination.

Death and legacy Shea died in 1905 in London. His body was repatriated to St John's where it lay in state in the Legislative Council before a state funeral.

Sir Ambrose Shea was the naming basis for the lift bridge in Placentia which helps transport pedestrians and boats through the passage of water separating the communities of Placentia and Jerseyside. There have been two iterations of the Sir Ambrose Shea Lift Bridge, the first being built in 1961 after the MV Ambrose Shea ferry service had been in service for a number of years. The second bridge was finished in 2016, and stands tall as a big tourist attraction in Placentia.