title: Troilus de Mesqouez
text: # Troilus de Mesqouez
  
  Troilus de Mesqouez (1536–1606) was a French noble (Marquis de La Roche-Helgomarche) and served as Viceroy of New France. He initiated the first attempts to settle Sable Island, a small island off the Canadian province of Nova Scotia.
  
  ## Biography
  
  de Mesqouez was born in Mesgouez en Ploumoguer to parents Guillaume de Mesgouez and Françoise Campir. He was granted the title of Viceroy of New France in 1578 by Henry III of France and around 1598 or 1599 sent settlers (mainly criminals) and soldiers to Sable Island to establish a fishery and fur trading post. Poorly planned, the settlement failed and was abandoned around 1602–1603.
  
  ## Death
  
  After returning from Sable Island he tried without success to obtain his dues from Henry IV of France. He was married twice and left no heirs upon his death.
  
  ## Legacy
  
  La Roche is a township in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Canada which was named for him some three centuries after his arrival in the area.
  
  