Home to some of the most powerful and influential people in the history of Fogo. Bleak House represents the differences between the merchant class and the fishing class in the community from a century ago.

The dwelling was built around 1816 for local merchant John Slade. When he retired, it was bought by his then-partner, Henry Earle. Earle Sons and Company operated a successful import-export business but was forced to close in 1967, following the fishery’s collapse.

In 1983 the house was made a gift to the Town Council of Fogo. It was already beginning to disrepair after being abandoned for so many years. The town received funding to restore the house and transform it into a museum.

It was made a Registered Heritage Structure by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador. It became the first building in the province to be restored through the foundation’s restoration program.

Photo: heritagenl.ca