Although the European history of orderly settlement on the shores of Port Nicholson commences with the appearance of the New Zealand Company in early 1840, sealers, whalers, and traders were established in the region for more than a decade prior to that date. The settlement's link with the New Zealand Company is commemorated in many names of shore features – Somes Island for a Deputy Governor of the New Zealand Company; Lambton Harbour and the reclaimed Lambton Quay after John George Lambton, later, Earl of Durham; Thorndon after the residence of Lord Petre in England; Point Jerningham after E. J. Wakefield, only son of E. G. Wakefield; Chaffers Passage after E. M. Chaffers, captain of the Tory; and Lowry Bay after the mate of the Tory.