History buff or not, most can recall the story of the Mayflower and the Pilgrims' fight for religious freedom. It did, after all, play a big part in setting the foundations of American Democracy.
2020 marks the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims leaving from England to America. In honor of this extraordinary voyage, an international partnership of thirteen American, Dutch and English communities lead by both Plymouth, Massachusetts and Plymouth, England has been created to celebrate the historic anniversary.
"The anniversary provides a special opportunity to inspire people across our nations with the stories of that iconic voyage, exploring themes of migration, tolerance, freedom and democracy that have such contemporary relevance," said Charles Hackett, Chief Executive of Mayflower 400.
Through an immense variety of events, educational tours, festivals, exhibitions, new museums, cultural centers, lectures and more, themes of freedom, democracy, tolerance and liberty will be addressed and explored. Each of these communities played an important role in the Mayflower story and shed light on the Pilgrims' experience, lives and impact on history.
"An exciting national and international programme, the Mayflower 400 commemorations will highlight the significance of the special relationship between our nations; transform communities, provide cultural, business and visitor links; explore the different sides of the story; and celebrate the people and places of this epic pioneering tale."
There are millions of Americans who are direct decedents of the Pilgrims. Whether you're one of them, or simply someone who is interested in diving into the rich history of where America's core values first took shape, taking a trip to explore the Mayflower Trail within the next couple of years will certainly be worth your time.
The Mayflower Trail follows the journey of the pilgrims, highlighting significant villages, towns and cities across England and what took place in each. What better way to commemorate the 400th anniversary than by retracing the pilgrims' steps and learning firsthand what they had to sacrifice to attain freedom? Below are some of the highlights of the trail. For a more information, click here.
Plymouth, Devon
Significance: This is the final departure point of the Mayflower ship. The ship left British soil on Sept. 16, 1620, with 30 crew and 102 passengers on board.
Highlights: While in Plymouth be sure to take a few pictures on the commemorative Mayflower Steps, the official departure point of the Mayflower. Just a few steps away is The Mayflower Museum which offers three floors of Pilgrim history, complete with interactive installations and a model of the Mayflower Ship. When you're ready for a break, the nearby The Boathouse Café is a great seafood lunch spot that offers waterfront views.
Plymouth is a city full of history. Visitors can take a walk along Plymouth Hoe, which dates back to the medieval era, to admire views of Plymouth Sound, Drake's Island and the landmark lighthouse, as well as explore several war memorials. Other points of interest include the Plymouth Royal Citadel and the tranquil Elizabethan Gardens in the heart of the Barbican.
Along the Barbican waterfront area are countless restaurants, cafes and bars. Stop by Jacka Bakery, Britain's oldest commercial bakery known to have made the biscuits for the Mayflower, for some coffee and pastries.
When you're ready for a drink, take a tour of the famed Plymouth Gin Distillery, the oldest working distillery in England, to learn about how this spirit is made. After the tour, take a seat at Barbican Kitchen, an upscale restaurant located in the distillery, that features local produce, meats and fish in its creative fare.
Where to Stay: Crowne Plaza Plymouth.
2020: Plymouth has a ton of programming set to be unveiled in 2020. This includes three historic trails taking visitors back in time to the 16th century, renovations to the historic Elizabethan House, a new Mayflower monument, public arts commissions, art festival of light and the opening of 'The Box' which is a £37 million attraction, gallery and museum complex which will become the Plymouth's cultural center.
Dartmouth, Devon
Significance: This is the city where the Mayflower and Speedwell (the ship that didn't make it) stopped for repairs.
Highlights: Dartmouth is a charming, picturesque waterfront town that offers visitors history, boutique shopping, art galleries, a variety of dining options and a lively waterfront ideal for refreshing strolls. It's also home to traditional cream tea at The Royal Castle Hotel, prepared the Devonian way (as opposed to the Cornish way) which is to split the scone, cover each half with clotted cream and the top with strawberry jam on top.
Best way to explore this area is with the local expert, Alex Graeme of Unique Devon Tours who knows the ins-and-outs of Dartmouth. Visitors will enjoy a tour of Dartmouth Museum, followed by a walk around the historical town of Dartmouth, including a visit to Bayard's Cove Fort, a 16th-century artillery blockhouse, built to defend the harbor entrance at Dartmouth.
End your tour with a lunch at the lovely Bayards Cove Inn. If it's a nice day, hop on a Harbour Cruise to view Bayards Cove, the Dartmouth Castles, The Estate of the late Dame Agatha Christie and more.
2020: Among the highlights of 2020 programming is a new touring play, a music festival, a Walking Trail around the historical areas of the town, a Son et Lumiere event at the Britannia Naval College and a River Pageant with visiting Warships and Tallships.
Southampton
Significance: The meeting point of the Mayflower and Speedwell in July 1620.
Highlights: Southampton is known as the cruise capital of Europe and is full of maritime heritage. Aside from the Mayflower, this city is known for The Titanic's departure from White Start Dock in 1912. Those interested in the history of this infamous ship should head to SeaCity Museum which goes into great detail of The Titanic's journey and subsequent sinking.
Other points of interest include the Tudor House Museum which houses over 800 years of history and the City Art Gallery. Want an in-depth exploration of Southampton, including special access to underground vaults and stops that include the Mayflower Memorial and Bargate North? Hit up Southampton Tourist Guides Association and ask for the guide, Dave Adcock!
Where to stay: Grand Harbour Hotel.
Lincoln and Boston, Lincolnshire
Significance: The Scrooby congregation, which included William Bradford, attempted to escape for Holland via Boston in Lincolnshire.
Highlights: While in Lincoln, visitors should check out the Lincoln Cathedral, a prime example of Gothic architecture, as well as Lincoln Castle, home to one of four surviving copies of the Magna Carta. From here visitors can make their way to Boston, which is where the Boston Guildhall is found. This is where a group of Separatists was held after being betrayed and captured in their attempt to escape the English Church. Today it's also home to the town's museum collection.
It's worth noting that the nearby St. Botolph's Church is one of England's largest parish churches where reverend Jon Cotton preached. Close by in Scotia Creek, visitors can see the Pilgrim memorial, which is the point where the Pilgrim Fathers first attempted to escape religious persecution.
Where to stay: White Hart Hotel.
Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
Significance: Some of the most important Separatists who journeyed to America in 1920 came from the Nottinghamshire area.
Highlights: Visitors in this area will be delighted by the Mayflower Pilgrim Tour, ran by Sue Allan, a well-known historical novelist and Mayflower Pilgrim historian. While on tour, a costumed-Allen will narrate in great detail and with much enthusiasm what went down in the small, yet important, towns of Scrooby, Babworth,Austerfield and Gainsborough.
One of the major towns of this area is Scrooby, which is arguably the most significant Pilgrim villages and center of the separatist movement. This is where William Brewster, the local postmaster and later a Pilgrim leader, held covert religious services in what is now known as the Scrooby Manor House. Another known place for secret religious services? Gainsborough Hall. This is also one of the best preserved medieval manors in Britain.
2020: In addition to the signature Illuminate event, which is an international cultural festival that commemorates Thanksgiving, this area will host a National Conference on Religious Tolerance, a Pilgrim Walking Festival, a Heritage Open Day focusing on the Separatist Story, a new 'Pilgrim Roots Gallery' in Retford and further developed Mayflower attractions that will include more in-depth tours for visitors.
Worcestershire
Significance: This is the home of influential Pilgrim, Edward Winslow.
Highlights: This town is exceptionally rooted in history. Aside from the countless churches, abbeys and historic sites in the county, it's also is where the first and last battle of the civil war took place. Visitors should explore the Worcester Cathedral, The Commandery Museum, St. Peter's Church where Pilgrim Edward Winslow was baptized and Droitwich Spa, to see the portrait of Winslow given to the town from the United States, as well as the statue and historical building.
Where to stay: Diglis House Hotel.
2020: In April 2020, Worcester Cathedral will be hosting a Mayflower conference. Other notable events include the Living History Weekend, a multi-period living history weekend at the Commandery, Tudor House and Greyfriars in Worcester which will bring 2000 years of history to life with over 200 re-enactors. Moreover, the town of Droitwich Spa, which is famous for its salt production will hold a salt festival.
Harwich, Essex
Significance: The port of Harwich is believed to be where the Mayflower ship was built, and where its captain, Christopher Jones lived and was married twice.
Highlights: Interesting attractions include one of Britain's first cinemas, the Electric Palace, built in 1911, St. Nicholas Church and Redoubt Fort, a fort built to protect against a Napoleonic invasion. Those interested in touring the UK's second busiest passenger ferry port should explore the Maritime trail to explore the Ha'Penny Pier and Visitor Centre, the Low Lighthouse Maritime Museum and the Lifeboat museum. For a guided tour, visit the Harwich Society at Harwich Town Station.
2020: By 2020, Harwich will have constructed a full-scale, seaworthy replica of the Mayflower ship. This ship will embark on the same journey that the Mayflower did, along the UK's South Coast and across the Atlantic
Southwark, London
Significance: Southwark was the port of the Mayflower ship and home to Captain Christopher Jones and much of the crew.
Highlights: Situated on the Southbank of the River Thames is Rotherhithe in the London borough of Southwark. This area is known for its bustling arts scene as well as its rich history and heritage, which of course is greatly connected to the Mayflower.
For a guided tour that explores Southwark's role in the voyage and London's maritime history as a whole, set up a tour with Isobel Durrant, a certified guide in London. Be sure to have lunch at The Mayflower Pub, the oldest along the River Thames. You can see the original 1620 mooring point of the Mayflower ship from this traditional English pub.
Where to stay: London Bridge Hotel and Flemings Mayfair.
2020: Exciting programming will include a heritage trail highlighting significant city landmarks and attractions, The London Mayflower touring exhibition, a written performance charting the history of the Mayflower journey and a large-scale performance on the River Thames, marking Rotherhithe as the beginning of the Mayflower's voyage in 1620.
During the commemorative year of 2020, many signature events will take place, including Embarkation Day, an international commemoration that will take place in Plymouth, England, the Embarkation Festival in Plymouth, United States which will celebrate America's story of immigration and Wampanoag Days, a two-day Turtle Island Powwow to celebrate the continuity of the Indigenous Nations of America. For more information on the upcoming events, click here.
There is an endless amount of engaging history and culture to be soaked up on the Mayflower Trail. For more information on what's being offered and when, click here.
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