| Where: | Norham, Northumberland at Pedwell Landing, down by the Tweed |
| When: | 1st February (Formerly mid February) |
| Time: | 8 a.m. |
This is a custom which has evolved over the years- the Vicar of Berwick used to bless the water, nets, boats and catch at night, performing the service in a boat on the River Tweed. I’d previously read that it happened just after midnight on Valentine’s Day but have it on good authority (from the landowner himself) that it was actually on the evening of the 15th just before an annual dinner! Nowadays the salmon are all caught by rod, not netted, and the custom changed to reflect this some years ago. It now takes place on February 1st unless this is a Sunday, and the blessing is performed by the Vicar of Norham Rev. Rob Kelsey at the more civilised hour of 8 a.m. During the short service, the first line of the season is cast (by Dean Cockburn when we visited) into the waters of the Tweed, and afterwards a wee dram and shortbread are handed to everyone.
Helpful Hints
In 2025 it should be on Saturday 1st February. Members of the public are very welcome to attend and it lasts around half-an-hour. It’s a convivial and friendly occasion, and you can spot some wildlife while you’re there too.
When 1st falls upon a Sunday it moves to Monday 2nd instead.
It takes place at Pedwell Landing, which is up a small lane running north towards the Tweed, to the eastern side of the church. There are a few parking spaces here just beside the river bank (which can be muddy so I’d advise wearing wellies) and the Blessing takes place very nearby (up the path to the left from the parking area when I went in 2022).
Click here for the village website (it usually appears in the events calendar):
Click here for Norham Church: https://www.norhamlife.co.uk/norhamchurch
Follow the links from Comments to find some photos of the ceremony both past and present. Thanks to Jim Gibson for the helpful information! And to Jim Blythe and Rob Kelsey for making us so welcome.
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- A toast!
The custom ended when the majority of the net fisheries were closed by the Atlantic Salmon Trust (a charity!) in 1987. They have an agenda which unfortunately does not allow for the traditional net fisheries to exist in any shape or form which is unfortunate as they existed for well over a millennium without the salmon disappearing and formed an important part of the local culture and heritage.
The tradition has been revived but with a rod based theme now takes place on 1st Feb.
Thanks for that Jim- that’s interesting.sorry for the slow reply- I’m away from home on a trip at the moment. What form does the new ceremony take, please? I’d be interested to find out more.
Best wishes
Averil
Hello Averil …..
Similar to the the original, but with a rod theme. You can have a look at
https://www.facebook.com/OurRiverStoriesOfTheTweed/?tn-str=k*F
or
https://www.facebook.com/groups/704753343069205/?tn-str=*F
You’ll be able to find images of the Blessing of the Nets at Pedwell.
Or if you need anymore info give me a call
Thanks Jim!
I’ve put the links up on the website but taken your phone number off in case you didn’t want it shared with the world!
Best wishes,
Averil
Thanks for posting these details – fascinating!
I’ve just been looking at the 1851 census covering Norham and noted 30 people giving their occupation as “Fisherman”, plus one “Fish dealer”. This out of a total of around 670 individuals, many of whom will have been children.
Thanks Jeremy- I guess that’s one of the reasons that the custom has survived, as fishing was so central to the local economy. Long may it continue!
Best wishes,
Averil