Robert Hayman is the only known Governor of the Bristol's Hope colony. Robert's birth date is unknown, but he was baptized on August 14, 1575 in Exeter, England. Robert was educated at Oxford University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1604, he married Grace Spicer.

Bristol Connections

Although he was not from Bristol, England, Robert knew the city well. His sister married a man from Bristol and the city is often named in his poetry. Merchants in Bristol, including John Guy, had been involved in settling Newfoundland since 1610. It was possibly because of John Guy's dispute with the London Bristol Company, that the Bristol Society of Merchant Venturers decided to begin a new colony. They named this new colony Bristol's Hope. The headquarters for the  Bristol's Hope colony was at Harbour Grace.

Bristol's Hope

Not much is known about the first years of the Bristol's Hope colony. Robert may have become governor about 1618. During his first visit he spent fifteen months in Newfoundland and he seems to have spent several summers there as well.

While in Newfoundland he spent much of his time writing and translating poetry. His book of poetry Quodlibets, lately come over from New Britaniola, Old Newfound-land was printed in 1628. Much of the poetry in the book praised and encouraged Newfoundland settlers. It was the first book of poetry written in English in the New World.

Robert tried to raise royal support for the colony and suggested that the name of Newfoundland be changed to New Britainiola. He also tried to encourage King Charles I of England to build a city in Newfoundland, grant the settlers there special rights in the fishery, and set up a free market for trading fish. However, King Charles was having many problems in England at the time and none of these things took place.

After Newfoundland

After leaving the island, Robert Hayman set off for Guiana, in South America. He died of a fever in November 1629, while exploring the region.

Robert's Poem about Newfoundland

Although in clothes, company, buildings fair,
With England, New-found-land cannot compare.
Did some know what contentment I found there?
Always enough, most times somewhat to spare,
With little pains, less toil, and lesser care,
Exempt from taxing, ill news, law, and fear,
If clean, and warm, no matter what you wear,
Healthy, and wealthy, if men careful are,
With much-much more, then I will now declare,
(I say) if some wise men knew what this were,
(I do believe) they'd live no other where.

Robert's Poem about Winter in Newfoundland

To a worthy Friend, who often objects the coldness of the Winter in Newfound-Land, and may serve for all those that have the like concern.

You say that you would live in Newfound-land,
Did not this one thing your dignity withstand;
You fear the Winter's cold, sharp, piercing air.
They love it best, that have once wintered there.
Winter is there, short, wholesome, constant, clear,
Not thick, unwholesome, shuffling, as it is here.