Barnsley Shoal

Origin of place name: This shoal was named in 1924 by the hydrographic service after John Barnsley who rose up through the ranks of the Union Steamship Co from agent to managing director until his death in 1924. Originally a gunsmith from Birmingham, UK, he immigrated to BC in 1881. John Barnsley also happens to be BC's first auto licence holder—in 1904 he drove a primitive vehicle known as a Waltham Orient Buckboard; he kept licence plate #1 until he died. Source: The Encyclopedia of Raincoast Place Names.