Editor Pick
Newhaven Heritage Museum
- April 26, 2007
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Drever from Ayr
What was it like to live in the tightly-knit fishing community at Newhaven, and to earn a living as a fishwife or a fisherman braving the sea? Newhaven Heritage Museum, situated in the historic fish market overlooking the picturesque Newhaven Harbour, brings the past to life. The story of the village and its people is told through reconstructed sets of fishwives and fishermen, historic objects and photographs, and first-hand accounts of people's lives.
There was a fishing community at Newhaven from earliest times. In 1504, King James IV created Newhaven as a deep-water port and here, between 1507 and 1511, the 'Great Michael', the mightiest warship of its time, arose plank by plank.
By the 19th century, the village had grown into an important fishing port. For many years, Newhaven fishermen supplied Edinburgh with oysters, shellfish, white fish, and sprats. They dredged for oysters in the winter months. In the summer, they fished for white fish and later, herring. In the 19th century, the bigger boats fished as far away as off the west coast and as far north as Shetland. The fish was sold at the local market.
The fishing industry gave birth to building fishing boats, knitting fishing nets, and fish curing. Newhaven fishermen had a vast knowledge of the waters of the Firth of Forth. This made them an ideal choice as pilots. For many years, they met ships at the May Island or off Dunbar and guided them safely into Leith.
The Society of Free Fishermen ran the affairs of Newhaven for hundreds of years. It acted as a local town council. It looked after the poor, education, the harbour, and streets. The Society also defended local fishing rights. It was finally wound up in 1989.
The famous Newhaven Fishwives used to wear distinctive Flemish caps, brightly coloured waistcoats and aprons, and distinctive spotted kerchiefs. They bought their fish in the market and sold it to customers in and around Edinburgh and across in Fife. The fish were carried in large creels on their backs. For special occasions, they wore their 'gala' costume. The skirts were red and white and yellow and white striped.
The local fishwives' choirs also wore this costume.
As with many seafaring places, Newhaven is full of traditions and superstitions; don't whistle or sing 'Danny Boy', I'm told, or pass a nun on the way to the boat.
Religion was also an important part of everyday life.
Newhaven still retains a picturesque harbour. The once thriving Fishmarket is now converted into a smaller fish market which is still in use, a fish restaurant, and the Newhaven Heritage Museum. Some of the village, with its characteristic alleys and stairs up to first floor front doors, remains despite the ravages of the 1960s house build.
To reach Newhaven from the city centre, take Lothian Bus services 10, 11, or 16 from Princes Street heading east or service 7 from the Bridges heading north.
Daily: Noon-4:45pm. Admission Free
From journal Leith and district – sail, steam & flight