On a prosperous wind
In 1620, the Mayflower started its journey to the New World. The Mayflower left Rotherhithe under the command of Captain Christopher Jones with around 30 passengers. It sailed to Southampton for supplies and more passengers, also picking up leading puritan, and future governor of Plymouth Colony, William Bradford.
On 6 September 1620, Jones with 102 passengers and 30 crew members finally set sail across the Atlantic Ocean – on ‘a prosperous wind’ in the words of Bradford. All were intent on escaping Anglican England and the concept that the monarch could be head of the church. After nearly two months, land was first sighted off Cape Cod and strong winter seas forced anchorage at Plymouth Rock, further north than the intended destination of more temperate Virginia. The Pilgrim Fathers had arrived in America, establishing Plymouth Colony.
The Mayflower pub in Rotherhithe village is near the spot (30 metres downstream where a plaque marks the exact location) that the Pilgrim Fathers berthed the Mayflower, before setting sail in 1620. Originally built in 1550, and called The Shippe Inn, it was renamed the Spread Eagle before becoming The Mayflower in 1956. In this smart and historic place sign the ‘descendants book’, and leave your permanent mark in history. It is also the only pub in the UK licensed to sell US postage stamps!