The media in Span has recently been covering information about the will of Domingo de Luca, a Basque sailor, who wrote his will while on a ship, the Maria del Juncal, visiting Placentia in 1563. CBC's On The Go Show also did aninterviewwith Dr. Michael Barkham about the will and there was a report onCBC-TV.

May 15, 2013 was the 450th. anniversary of the writing of the will. One of the interesting things about this two page will is that Domino, who was ill, requests he be laid to rest in the place at Placentia "where those who die are buried." It is likely this was a Basque graveyard in or near the site of the prsent Anglican graveyard in Townside, Placentia. This is thought to be also the site of the first Catholac church in Nwewfoundland and it is where other Basque gravestones have been found.

The will of Domingo de Luca is believe to be the oldest original civil document existing from North America, north of Mexico.  The Placentia Area Historical Society is presently seeking to raise funds to get the will translated and for other ralated research to tell its story.

May 15, 2013 was the 450th. anniversary of the writing of the will. One of the interesting things about this two page will is that Domino, who was ill, requests he be laid to rest in the place at Placentia "where those who die are buried." It is likely this was a Basque graveyard in or near the site of the prsent Anglican graveyard in Townside, Placentia. This is thought to be also the site of the first Catholac church in Nwewfoundland and it is where other Basque gravestones have been found.

The will of Domingo de Luca is believe to be the oldest original civil document existing from North America, north of Mexico.  The Placentia Area Historical Society is presently seeking to raise funds to get the will translated and for other ralated research to tell its story.