WHALING

Whaling has never been a major industry in Bermuda, as it was seasonal. Whales appear off the Island in the spring and autumn on their northward and southward migrations, and on occasion can be seen off the South Shore. Whaling is thought to have been established on Smith’s Island soon after the arrival of the first settlers, some twenty years before it was undertaken in the American plantations or colonies. Richard Norwood reported in 1667 that for several years before up to three whales a day had been caught in fair weather during the spring.

Although the prime purpose of whaling was to obtain the oil for illumination, the meat often provided the only source of protein for the poor, and was given away after the blubber had been stripped off. After the introduction of kerosene, following the discovery of petroleum in the United States in 1857, the price of whale oil dropped dramatically and there was little incentive for Bermudians to continue to go after whales, except as targets of opportunity.

Nevertheless there are many vestiges of early whaling to be seen around the shores of Bermuda. Old ovens for trying the oil out of the blubber are still extant on Smith’s Island in St. George’s Harbour and Whale Island in Ely’s Harbour. Remnants of slip-ways used to drag the carcasses out of the water are found in various locations, one of which is at Whale Bay, Southampton. There are still a number of cast iron try-pots in existence, many of which serve as containers for growing flowers. The Museum has several, one of which is larger than usual and has two flat sides for close stowage aboard ship.

Large trypot in whaling exhibit. (L. Webb)

As far as is known, the last whale was caught off Bermuda in 1941 by Mr. Gunnison Astwood. One of its ribs and vertebrae have been donated to the Museum by him. The remains of his Bermuda-built whaleboat, believed to be the last one, may be seen on the point above Boat Bay on the south shore. Without protection, it will soon be just a memory.