A comprehensive one-year programme of events is planned to mark the 400th anniversary of the voyage in 2020, telling the story of the region’s early Pilgrims who left the area, initially fleeing to Holland and then making the seminal journey aboard the Mayflower to Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620.

The project, entitled Mayflower Roots: The Separatists’ Story, will tell the inspiring tale about William Brewster, William Bradford and other influential pilgrims from Scrooby, Babworth, Austerfield and Sturton-le-Steeple. It will relay how their journey in pursuit of tolerance and freedom resonates with similar issues that still exist today. 

More importantly the story will be told in a modern way, dispelling the myths that ‘the Pilgrim Fathers’ were all old men, and introduce the role that women and young men played, and critically will address the complex issues of the effect the separatists settling in Plymouth had on the indigenous native population.

[quote=Jonathan Platt, Head of HLF East Midlands]“The story of the Mayflower is one of international significance, and has its roots in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire"[/quote]

The project will see a Pilgrim Roots Gallery being added at Bassetlaw Museum, and provide far-reaching opportunities for engaging communities and volunteers and attracting local, national and international visitors.

Bassetlaw District Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration Councillor Jo White, said: “This is absolutely brilliant news. I am delighted that HLF recognises how important the Pilgrim Roots story is to the area”.

Jonathan Platt, Head of HLF East Midlands, said: “The story of the Mayflower is one of international significance, and has its roots in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. We are delighted that money from National Lottery players can help support the plans for this important anniversary, and we look forward to seeing the detailed proposals in due course”.

Bassetlaw District Council is a member of Mayflower 400, a partnership of 11 UK destinations, plus Leiden and USA that signed a Modern Mayflower Compact agreeing to work together in partnership towards a joint 400th commemoration of the sailing of the Mayflower in 1620.