Barr'd Islands
Barr’d Islands is a small community located on Fogo Island between Shoal Bay and Joe Batt’s Arm. It is the second oldest settlement on the island dating back to the early 1700s. During this period merchant ships transported fishing crews from Southwest England directly to Barr’d Islands. These early settlers helped to set up a fishery that would thrive in the region for hundreds of years. It is believed that the name of the community comes from a characteristic stretch of islands that resemble a sort of barrier. It is on these strips of land that the homes of Barr’d Islands are perched. Considering the community’s unique location, it is not surprising that the houses here are exposed to the harsh elements that batter the shores of Fogo Island throughout the year.
Barr’d Islands is a small settlement, and as such there is no community wharf or stage. The residents of Barr’d Islands must go to neighboring towns for work and supplies. Despite this, the community is not without historic attractions—the Mercer 91´«Ã½ United Church is one of Fogo’s oldest churches. Its stone walls provide an old English appearance and make it a heritage site worth visiting. With the help of Heritage Foundation grants, the people of Barr’d Island have been working to preserve their community fish stages. This local interest in preservation contributes to Barr’d Islands’ appearance as a Fogo fishing village from the past.