Badge of the Society of Free Fishermen, Newhaven

Category

Museums & Galleries Item

Item no

22094

Title

Badge of the Society of Free Fishermen, Newhaven

Description

Sew-on 'blazer badge' of the Society of Free Fishermen, Newhaven. Blue fabric with gold-coloured edging forms a shield, within which are depicted a two masted fishing boat, two fish and an anchor. A banner below the shield contains the name of the society in red stitched lettering.

Date

1950

Size

7.5 x 9 cm

Type

Cotton

Location

Museum of Edinburgh

Accession number

NH35(a)94

The Society of Free Fishermen of Newhaven looked after the local fishing community for over 500 years. Originally formed to look after the poor of Newhaven in times of need, it continued to exist until 1989.

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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Related subjects

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Badges

Places > Edinburgh areas > Newhaven

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh