The official national Mayflower 400 programme draws to a close this July in Plymouth, who have led the commemorations for the 2020 anniversary. Further events are planned in and around North Notts through the summer, culminating in Illuminate events this November marking the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving. Many of the events planned for the international Mayflower commemorations have been postponed from last year due to the pandemic.
On Saturday 17th July, Gainsborough Old Hall will host the postponed ‘Flight of the Separatists’ event, marking the town’s connection to the Pilgrims’ story. In May 1608, some of the Pilgrim Separatists fled from the town on a barge up the River Trent, heading for Amsterdam in search of religious freedom. Others made their way over land from there to an isolated place along the coast near Immingham. There, they met a Dutch ship in order to flee the country. Many of the men escaped, while their wives and children were left behind for a time after their attempt to escape was noticed by the authorities. Eventually, they were all reunited in Amsterdam.
Visitors will be able to enjoy free performances from Rhubarb Theatre thanks to funding from Arts Council England, and find out more about Pilgrims’ history from the Pilgrim Roots heritage project. Pilgrim period re-enactors will be setting up camp in the Old Hall’s grounds, featuring free demonstrations of activities from that time – including rope making, surgery, music, candle and pottery making, felt hat making, toys and games. The Old Hall is run by English Heritage and usual admission charges apply for entry to the Hall although access to the café, grounds and a temporary Mayflower exhibition is free. For event updates in line with current regulations, visit discovergainsborough.com.
A Pilgrims’ heritage day is planned at Scrooby Manor for the 21st August, hosted by the Pilgrim Roots team in partnership with Manor Opera. Visitors are invited to discover the history of the Separatists at the historic home of the Brewster family in the grounds of Scrooby Manor for a day of traditional crafts, music, and heritage. Now a private home, this is a unique opportunity to see what remains of the Brewster family’s home and explore the beautiful grounds.
The Wampanoag Perspective project takes place from 20th-26th September, where a traditional Wampanoag dwelling called a wetu will be created, and there will be a cultural showcase with music, and conference on acceptance (programme details to follow). Find out more from pilgrimroots.co.uk. The theme for this year’s North Notts Lit Fest (13th-19th September) is ‘In Good Company’, which fits suitably with the Wampanoag visit and the anniversary of the 1621 harvest.
