Mayflower Pilgrims, 1606-1620 | William Bradford | Plymouth Plantation | Mayflower Compact
A separatist congregation is formed in Scrooby, England. William Bradford is in the congregation. The Separatists want to break away from the Church of England, which is politically charged because the King, James I, is head of the Church of England. East of Nottingham, in a town called Boston, Separatists are jailed while trying to go to Holland. But the next, 1608, they try again. The Separatists flee for Holland (the Netherlands). The Separatists relocate from Amsterdam to Leiden. William Brewster starts a printing press there. John Robinson is the minister of the church. The King is displeased with Separatists printing materials in Holland. Arrests are made. It is time to look for a new home in America. Robert Cushman and John Carver are in London forming terms with the Virginia Company. However, Thomas Weston of the Merchant Adventurers convinces the Separatists to go with his company. He has a patent for the Hudson River mouth. The Pilgrims acquire the Speedwell in Delfshaven, Holland. The Mayflower is acquired in England. The two ships meet in Southampton, England. The ships sail through the channel, but must return to Dartmouth, England after the Speedwell is leaky. Again the ships set off and again they return to Plymouth. The Speedwell will not come on the voyage. The Mayflower sets off alone. There are 102 passengers. Elisabeth Hopkins gives birth at sea. She names the child Oceanus. The Mayflower reaches Cape Cod, over 200 miles from their intended landing spot at the Hudson River. They attempt to sail for the Hudson, but dangerous shoals force the ship back. The Mayflower turns north, cycling around Cape Cod. The passengers write the Mayflower Compact. On November 11, 1620, the Mayflower Compact is signed. The Mayflower is near modern Provincetown, Massachusetts. Music credit: “Mongrel Dance” by Dan Bodan A film by Jeffrey Meyer Credit to : Jeffrey the Librarian