Edward Feild

Born in 1801, Edward Feild became an Anglican bishop whose name is closely tied to Newfoundland in the mid-1800s. He served as Bishop of Newfoundland and was remembered for taking his work seriously in a place where distance and weather made church leadership especially demanding.

Feild was known for extensive journeys through his far-flung diocese, visiting communities that were difficult to reach and pushing for strong parish organization, education, and regular church practice. He also played an important part in the development of the Anglican cathedral in St. John’s, helping shape the religious life of the colony in a visible and lasting way.

He died in 1876. Accounts of his life often describe him as disciplined, determined, and influential, though not always easygoing—qualities that helped him build institutions and also made him a distinctive figure in Newfoundland’s history.