Rules & Regulations of Society of Free Fishermen

Category

Museums & Galleries Item

Item no

22087

Title

Rules & Regulations of Society of Free Fishermen of Newhaven

Description

Booklet entitled Rules & Regulations of Society of Free Fishermen of Newhaven. Printed in black ink on white paper. The booklet begins with a description of the aims of the society and the rules for admission as a member. It goes on to cover the management of the society and its office bearers, the schedule of payments and allowances the society can make, and the arrangements in place for funeral expenses. The society's property and investments are discussed, and the bye-laws for the mussel and oyster beds are outlined. The booklet ends with information about the use of the Society's Fishermen's Park.

Artist / maker

David Short & Son

Size

22 x 28 cm

Type

Paper

Location

Museum of Edinburgh

Accession number

NH105/2/96

Published 18 June 1901
The Society of Free Fishermen of Newhaven looked after the local fishing community for over 500 years. Originally formed to take care of the poor of Newhaven in times of need, it later restricted its membership to those who were 'the lawful sons of fishermen whose names were clear on the books'. The Society continued to exist until 1989.

For centuries, the Free Fishermen of Newhaven dredged the rich oyster and mussel beds in the Firth of Forth. Often, they would enter into disputes with local owners and other fishermen over their rights to the beds. The arguments sometimes ended up in court.

The village of Newhaven grew from the site chosen by King James lV to build his greatest ship, the Michael. Early fishermen made a living dredging for oysters and line fishing for white fish. In the late 18th century, they began to follow herring, and the local economy was based on this thriving industry. Today, Newhaven's fishing industry has all but disappeared, and most of the boats seen in the area are leisure craft.

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Places > Edinburgh areas > Newhaven

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh