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The impact of the colonists’ arrival on the Native Americans who had long lived on that land has long been widely marginalised in the telling of Mayflower history. Some 400 years later, the Wampanoag Nation were finally able to tell their story in Plymouth UK - the very city from where the Mayflower set sail for America.
Discover more about 'We Are The Land'Mayflower 400 UK is an honest, broad and inclusive commemoration of the ship’s sailing from England to America and its often challenging legacy.
It marked the 400th anniversary year from 2020 through 2021 like never before in history.
For the first time, it goes far beyond the story of the ‘Pilgrim Fathers’ and the one-dimensional version of the Mayflower voyage. It examines the history of four nations from multiple angles, explores the experiences of those impacted and tells of the ruthless consequences of colonisation.
This anniversary year faced up to these difficult truths.
It tells stories of persecution, loss and oppression as well as exploring the themes of migration, humanity and freedom that underpin its place in history.
The ambitious cultural programme highlighted the experiences of different ethnic groups both in history and today, working in tandem with the Wampanoag Nation, the very people who once stood alongside the Mayflower’s passengers but eventually saw their lands and homes brutally taken from them.
Explore the events, exhibitions, productions and projects and the people behind them throughout this website.
You can also read articles and watch videos on the history of the Mayflower, find educational toolkits and get information on visiting the places linked to the anniversary.
Read more about the Mayflower 400 commemoration here
The Mayflower 400 anniversary offered an opportunity to explore all aspects of the story and the impact of the ship's sailing through a diverse range of cultural events and commemorative projects.
The Mayflower 400 anniversary was a true four-nation commemoration between the UK, the USA, the Wampanoag Nation and the Netherlands. These speeches form part of a legacy that will help future generations to better understand the Mayflower story.
The creation of a new Wampum Belt by the Native American Wampanoag Nation is one of the cornerstones of the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower's sailing.
Over the August Bank Holiday weekend, thousands of people watched The Hatchling soar over Plymouth's waterfront in a unique performance which represented a powerful symbol of hope.
A statue of Wampanoag leader Massasoit
Native America is central to the Mayflower story, and Mayflower 400 is a true four-nation commemoration between the Wampanoag Nation, the USA, the UK and the Netherlands.
Exploring the large-scale art installation that transformed the Mount Batten Breakwater in Plymouth into a public forum for discussion and debate about the impact and legacy of the Mayflower's journey, colonialism and the ecological state of our planet.
29 Sep-18 Sep 21
Plymouth, England
25 Apr 23
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27 Apr 23
Plymouth, England
27 Apr 23
Plymouth, England
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Mayflower II
The story of the Pilgrims, their journey, and the colonisation of New England, is a complex one, spanning hundreds of years.
The Wampanoag Tribe, also known as the People of the First Light, has inhabited present-day Massachusetts and Eastern Rhode Island for more than 12,000 years. This their fascinating story
Mayflower Passengers List - an interactive guide
An interactive map guide to the Mayflower passenger list including the Pilgrim separatists, non-separatists, servants, and crew
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Austerfield, near Doncaster and the market town of Bawtry. Home of William Bradford who was baptised in St. Helena's Church and later became Plymouth Colony's first elected Govenor.
In the Bassetlaw area of north Nottinghamshire, the beliefs of the leading Separatists who voyaged to American in 1620 were shaped. Explore the Pilgrim Roots.
Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. Close to Scrooby and Retford. Some of the Separatists are thought to have worshipped in secret at the Old Hall with permission of its owner, merchant William Hickman.
The Scrooby congregation - including Williams Brewster and Bradford - made their first attempt to escape to Holland from Boston in Lincolnshire. They were held and tried in Boston Guildhall.
It was from Immingham Creek on the edge of the river Humber that the Separatists made a dangerous, but successful escape from England to Holland in their search for religious freedom.
Prominent Mayflower passenger, Edward Winslow came from Worcestershire - he was schooled in Worcester and came from Droitwich Spa. Following the voyage, he later returned to England.
The Separatists escaped from England to Holland and settled in Leiden - a city of free-thinkers and religious tolerance. It was their resting place for almost 12 years before departing on the Speedwell in preparation for their final voyage to the New World.
The Mayflower is believed to have been built in Harwich sometime before 1600, and was commanded and part-owned by her Master, Captain Christopher Jones, whose house still stands near the waterfront.
The London borough of Southwark, which includes the former docklands of Rotherhithe, has many links with the voyage of the Pilgrims. It was the home port of the Mayflower, and the area was one with its own strong tradition of religious descent.
The Mayflower arrived in Southampton in July 1620 and several days later was joined by the Speedwell, carrying the Pilgrims from Leiden. On 15 August the two ships weighted anchor and set sail.
When the Speedwell began to take on water, both ships and their crew changed course and arrived in Dartmouth on 23 August. They rested here whilst repairs were made in Bayards cove before heading out into the English Channel.
300 miles clear of England, the Speedwell continued to leak and both ships turned about for Plymouth. Eventually, just the Mayflower set sail with up to 30 crew and 102 passengers on board. The final departure city before embarking on life in the New World.
After a storm tossed 66 days at sea, the Mayflower anchored on the tip of Cape Cod, at what is now Provincetown, Massachusetts. The settlers formulated the 'Mayflower Compact'.