PILGRIM ROOTS

About PILGRIM ROOTS

The Pilgrim Roots region covers Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire. Four centuries ago, a small group, who can trace their roots to the Bassetlaw area decided to leave England in search of religious freedom. They sailed first to Holland, and later some of them sailed to America on board the Mayflower.

Pilgrim Roots is a regional partnership that is part of the national Mayflower 400 partnership, working collectively to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower's voyage and the stories associated with it - including the roots of the Separatists who became Pilgrims, through themes of tolerance, freedom, journeys and migration.

Pilgrims' heritage is shared across four nations - the UK, the Netherlands, the Wampanoag and the USA.

Visit the ROOTS REGION

Pilgrims GALLERY

An exciting and innovative new gallery has opened at Bassetlaw Museum in Retford, celebrating the life of William Brewster, one of the District’s most famous sons.

The Pilgrims Gallery is part of a £750,000 National Lottery-funded project which commemorates the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s voyage to America in 1620.

Visit the ROOTS REGION

Pilgrims TRAIL

The Pilgrims Trail links heritage sites with special connections to the Mayflower Pilgrims' story in North Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire. A 40-mile circular route highlights the key places where some of the leading Pilgrims lived, worked and prayed before they began their new lives in Holland and America.

Pilgrim Roots EVENTS

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Pilgrim Roots STORIES

BREWSTER & BRADFORD

Both Brewster and Bradford are among the most well-known Mayflower Pilgrims - Today, there are millions of people around the world who can trace their ancestry back to these two local men.

The WHITES & The WRAYS

Only nineteen women sailed on the Mayflower to America. The White sisters were from Sturton-le-Steeple and The Wray sisters were from a wealthy Lincolnshire family.

How many PEOPLE were on the MAYFLOWER?

According to Edward Winslow in his book, Mourt’s Relations, and William Bradford in his manuscript, Of Plimouth Plantation, there were 102 passengers on the Mayflower voyage in 1620.

PILGRIM Pop Quiz

A series of quite interesting facts about the the Pilgrims

Sights and Sites along the PILGRIMS TRAIL

If you are interested in the unusual or quirky aspects of history, if your children love a good old story about blood and guts, some of these places on, or just off of the Pilgrims Trail might be of interest to you!

News & UPDATES

Illuminate Bassetlaw 2021

Thanksgiving and Can-dles of Hope St Swithun’s Church, Retford – 12noon to 9.00pm, 18th November...