T is for Terreneuviers – Jersey fishermen in Newfoundland
A contribution to the #AtoZchallenge 2024
Fishing trade
The term terreneuviers (Newfoundlanders) refers to Jersey fishermen who participated in the Newfoundland fishery during the 16th to 19th centuries. Jersey, one of the Channel Islands located between England and France, had a long tradition of fishing, and the Newfoundland fishery provided valuable opportunities for Jersey fishermen to engage in the lucrative cod trade.
Records as early as 1562 show Jersey-based ships and their crews operating from Newfoundland. Within 21 years, Newfoundland was annexed by Queen Elizabeth.
Profitable business
Some Jerseymen travelled to Newfoundland every spring, returning home later in the year. This activity earned them several times their winter incomes as Jersey farmers.
During the fishing season, which typically lasted from spring to autumn, hundreds of Jersey fishermen travelled across the Atlantic to the coast of Newfoundland. These terreneuviers faced harsh and challenging conditions during their time in Newfoundland, including rough seas, unpredictable weather, and isolation from their families and homeland. They built small wooden huts along the coast, where they salted and dried the cod they caught, then returned to Jersey in time for the autumn ploughing with money in their pockets, which would provide some welcome luxuries for the family.
Food for the hungry
Another great benefit from this endeavour was noted by Sir Walter Raleigh, the famous English explorer and writer, when he was appointed Governor of Jersey in 1600. He learned that many islanders were saved from starvation by the arrival of a cargo of fish from Newfoundland, and encouraged young Jerseymen to cross the Atlantic to find the work which was not available to them in their home island. Their involvement in the Newfoundland fishing industry was to last over 300 years.
The Terreneuviers developed a distinct culture and way of life in Newfoundland, blending elements of Jersey and British culture with influences from the indigenous peoples and other European settlers. They formed close-knit communities in Newfoundland, sharing resources, traditions, and social ties with other Jersey fishermen and their families.
The Newfoundland fishery played a significant role in the economy and society of Jersey, contributing to the island’s prosperity and influencing its cultural identity. Today, the legacy of the Terreneuviers lives on in Jersey through cultural traditions, historical commemorations, and the ongoing connections between Jersey and Newfoundland.
Further details about Jersey’s extensive involvement in the Canadian ‘cod trade’ and the founder of the Robin business can be found on the Jerripedia site here.
Seeking divine aid
An interesting account shows how these Protestant fishermen sought God’s help and protection before setting off on their dangerous journey for Canadian waters. A special communion service was held for them in St Brelade’s Church. In 1611 the Colloquy passed the following Act:
Whereas a petition has been received from those who sail for the Newfoundland Fisheries, pointing out that they are unable to attend the Lord’s Supper at the usual date, and asking that it may be made possible for them to communicate before their departure, permission is granted to the Church of St Brelade to put forward the date of its April Communion, so that all who are about to make the voyage, whatever may be their parish, can join in the Lord’s Supper before they sail.
This Communion des Terreneuviers became a notable annual event. The fishing-fleet would sail from St Aubin’s Bay, but before it weighed anchor, the fishermen with their wives and sweethearts from all parts of the island came to St Brelade’s in numbers far too great for the old church to hold, and sang psalms in the churchyard, while waiting their turn to enter in to receive the Bread and Wine.
In the book ‘Greet Suzon for me’, which is due to be published in 2024, a French Huguenot family flees to Jersey. They are taken in by a farming couple, whose grown-up sons have become terreneuviers, which means they have spare rooms in the house.
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Very interesting. I imagine ships sank and men died. I wonder how things were organized at home with so many young men leaving for several seasons a year.
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