Memoranda on Newfoundland fishing rights

Scope and Content

Transcripts of two memorials relating to fishing rights off the coast of Newfoundland presented by (i) 'the committee of merchants trading from London...with the island of Newfoundland', with an accompanying letter, to Robert Banks Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool, Prime Minister, 11 Jan 1814, lettered 'No 2', and (ii) 'the merchants engaged in the [fishing] trade from Poole to the island of Newfoundland', to the Lords of the Treasury, [1814], lettered 'No.3'.

Administrative / Biographical History

The island of Newfoundland is situated off the eastern coast of North America between the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean, and is one of the four Atlantic provinces of Canada. Claimed as an English possession in 1583, British sovereignty of the island was recognised in 1713 by the Peace of Utrecht. During the nineteenth century, the population was swelled by labourers brought over from Britain to work in the fisheries, which were the main industry of Newfoundland. In 1855, the island was granted self-government.

Access Information

Access to this collection is unrestricted for the purpose of private study and personal research within the supervised environment and restrictions of the Library's Palaeography Room. Uncatalogued material may not be seen. Please contact the University Archivist for details.

Acquisition Information

Bought at Hodgson's sale of 23 Oct 1964 (lot 551).

Other Finding Aids

Collection level description.

Physical Characteristics and/or Technical Requirements

12½" x 8"

Archivist's Note

Compiled by Sarah Aitchison as part of the RSLP AIM25 Project.

Conditions Governing Use

Copies may be made, subject to the condition of the original. Copying must be undertaken by the Palaeography Room staff, who will need a minimum of 24 hours to process requests.