Echoes of Europe: How British and Irish Traditions Shaped St. John’s, NL

Perched on the eastern edge of North America, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, is a city where history runs deep. As one of the oldest European-established communities on the continent, St. John’s grew from a humble naval outpost into a bustling hub for the North Atlantic fishery - a place where British and Irish cultures intertwined, leaving an imprint still felt today in the city's architecture, language, and traditions.

The Early Days: European Roots in the New World

Before the Europeans arrived, the land was home to the Beothuk and other Indigenous peoples who thrived on the island of Newfoundland, living off its land and sea.

St. John’s came into European view after John Cabot’s 1497 voyage, which marked the beginning of English interest in Newfoundland. By the early 1500s, English, Portuguese, and Basque fleets were fishing the waters off St. John’s. But while the harbour was a seasonal gathering place, permanent settlement took time.

In 1583, Sir Humphrey Gilbert claimed Newfoundland as England's first overseas colony in the name of Queen Elizabeth I. However, English policies favoured the migratory fishery over permanent settlement for much of the 17th century. St. John’s remained a seasonal outpost, with English merchants and naval forces steadily increasing their presence to protect British interests.

The Irish Influence: A Lasting Legacy

While British influence shaped the governance and military structure of St. John’s, it was the Irish settlers who left their mark on the city’s culture. Starting in the late 17th century, Irish immigrants, many hailing from counties like Waterford, Wexford, and Cork, came in droves, drawn by opportunities in the booming fishery. By the early 19th century, Irish Catholics were the majority in St. John’s, and their impact on the city’s social, cultural, and religious life is still evident today.

As a redheaded local, I can’t help but feel the Irish influence everywhere - whether it’s in our accents, or the sound of fiddle music drifting from a nearby pub. The Irish heritage can be seen in the architecture of places like the Basilica of St. John the Baptist and in the tight-knit communities like The Battery and Georgestown.

A City in the Crossfire: Battles for Control

St. John’s wasn’t just a port - it was a military battleground. Throughout the Anglo-French rivalry, the city changed hands multiple times. In 1696, the French occupied St. John’s, burning much of the settlement, and again in 1762 during the Seven Years’ War. But the French never held on for long - the British recaptured the city shortly after, cementing their control of Newfoundland.

To defend St. John’s, the British built Signal Hill and Fort Amherst - two landmarks that still stand guard over the city today. Signal Hill, in particular, is close to my heart; it’s not only one of the most recognizable sights in St. John’s but also a symbol of our city’s role in history. In 1901, it was here that Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal, a moment that connected St. John’s with the rest of the world in a way that still impacts today.

Governance, Struggles, and the Path to Confederation

For most of its history, Newfoundland was a British colony. By 1832, we had a representative government, and St. John’s became the political and economic heart of Newfoundland. But life here was never easy. Fires, harsh winters, and economic hardships tested our resilience time and again.

By the 20th century, Newfoundland faced a struggling economy. The Great Depression hit hard, and in 1934, Newfoundland gave up its self-governance, and the British took over the administration. For 15 years, decisions were made in London, far from our shores. It wasn’t until 1949, after heated debates and referendums, that Newfoundland joined Canada as its tenth province, ending centuries of British rule.

A City Defined by British and Irish Heritage

Even though St. John’s has been part of Canada for over 75 years, the city is still steeped in its European past. You can see it in the colourful row houses, the stone churches, and the historic military sites that line the city. Our accents are still rich with West Country English and Irish brogue, a testament to the generations of settlers who made this place home.

St. John’s is shaped by both its Irish and English roots, and you can feel that blend throughout the city. From the cathedrals to the community traditions, both cultures have left their mark. St. Patrick’s Day is a beloved celebration here, full of music, laughter, and local pride. And the Royal St. John’s Regatta, the oldest continuous sporting event in North America, brings people together in a way that reflects the city’s long history of connection, community, and shared celebration.

A City That Holds Onto Its Past

St. John’s may have transformed from a small European outpost into a modern city, but its roots are still deeply embedded in its identity. From the historic architecture to the naval heritage, the city’s European legacy is felt everywhere, and as a local, I take pride in this rich history that’s alive in our city’s culture today.

As you walk through St. John’s, whether you’re admiring the bright row houses, hiking up Signal Hill, or listening to a fiddler in the local pub, you’re experiencing a living piece of history - a place where the Old World and the New have intertwined for centuries.