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The historical significance of Newman Wine Vaults Provincial Historic Site in St. John's, Newfoundland is partly attributed to the site's connection with the entrepreneurial Newman family. From about 1843 to at least 1893, the Vaults were used by Newman & Company to mature port wine from Oporto, Portugal.2
''Bared Rahero'' under sail, transporting wine from Oporto.1700
Newman Wine Vaults, St. John's, NL
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The history of the Newman family and the company that bears its name is as flavourful as their renowned port wine. As early as 1395, Thomas Newman owned lands in Dartmouth, Devonshire, England. The Newmans' trading activities were considerable by the fifteenth century. They dealt in cloth and wool, and by 1503, another Thomas Newman was importing white wine into Dartmouth.4
Newman plantations at Harbour Breton, Newfoundland.1400
Harbour Breton, Newfoundland
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As the New World was discovered, tales of seemingly inexhaustible fishing grounds drew merchant venders to the coasts of Newfoundland. Chief among these merchant venders were the Newmans, Hunts, Holdsworths and Roopes. Some of these families cooperatively shipped dried salt cod from Newfoundland to Portugal, which was the greatest consumer of the commodity in Europe at the time.6
The 'Retriever' arrives in Harbour Breton.1892
Newman Wine Vaults, St. John's, NL
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In 1589, John Newman brought a cargo of salt cod from Newfoundland to Dartmouth, England on board the "Hope." In the same year, four tons of cod oil was delivered aboard the "Roope." Salt fish was often traded for Portugese wine, which the Newmans would then ship to Great Britain. This led to the creation of a triangular trade system.8
Robert Newman and his guide, Leo Cormier, during a fishing trip in Codroy Valley.1905
Codroy Valley, Newfoundland
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By the middle of the seventeenth century the Newman family and the Newfoundland fishery were inseparable. They had set up seasonal fishing stations at Harbour Breton, Gaultois and Hermitage. In 1672, Richard Newman built a trading station at Pushthrough in Hermitage Bay, the first Newman plantation.10
Robert Newman (right), his wife, and their guide during a fishing trip in the Codroy Valley.1905
Codroy Valley, Newfoundland
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At this time attempts at permanent settlement in Newfoundland were suppressed by an Act of Parliament. After 1672, the Newman's seasonal plantations in Newfoundland gradually became more permanent, and by 1679 people were remaining on the island throughout the year, disregarding the authorities in England.12
The Newman Company flag.1 August 2005
Newman Wine Vaults, St. John's, NL
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In 1679, the Newmans and the Roopes combined into a longterm partnership as Newman & Roope, Dartmouth. Their sailing vessels also combined as one fleet, flying Newmans' checkered blue and white house flag.14
The 'Jenny'1784
Atlantic Ocean
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