Mayflower Pilgrims book launch at Doncaster Mansion House

Celebrated Mayflower historian Sue Allan takes residents on a voyage of discovery at the launch of her new book on Friday 27th April as part of the national countdown to the 400th Anniversary of the Mayflower in 2020.
Celebrated Mayflower historian Sue AllanCelebrated Mayflower historian Sue Allan
Celebrated Mayflower historian Sue Allan

‘In Search of the Mayflower Pilgrim Susanna White-Winslow’ is specifically relevant to exciting new research findings in Doncaster and is the latest of Sue’s five books relating to the Mayflower Pilgrims.

The book launch at the Mansion House will also include an opportunity for a question and answer session with Sue on the Mayflower Pilgrim Story.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Doncaster is among a handful of destinations in a national project called Mayflower 400. All of the towns and cities involved in the project can trace a link to the Mayflower, and all of them are working together to look at what can be done to attract transatlantic visitors to find out more about the Mayflower Pilgrims’ story and the local area.

The borough has strong connections with the Mayflower. William Bradford was born in Austerfield and baptised in the St Helena Church in the village. He was brought up in the village’s manor house. He went on to be the second governor of the Pilgrims’ colony in America.

Another of the high profile Pilgrim Fathers, William Brewster, was from nearby Scrooby in North Nottinghamshire.

Other recent local events as part of the countdown to 2020 include the Illuminate parade in Austerfield and Bawtry in November and a meeting of mascots when Doncaster Rovers played against Plymouth Argyle, designed to cement links between two towns with strong Pilgrim connections.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It isn’t just Austerfield which has links with the Pilgrims. Hatfield, Braithwell, Tickhill and Stainforth have links too, as does Bawtry. William Brewster went to school in a building where Doncaster Market is now.

Councillor Nigel Ball, Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Sue to the Mansion House for the launch of her new book and to learn more about our connections with the Mayflower Pilgrims.

“It’s important to share the story of the Mayflower Pilgrims and the Voyage in 1620 to what is now known as America. Doncaster is hugely significant in the story and we’re aiming to broaden the awareness and get more people involved in the run up to the 2020 celebrations.”

Worldwide it is estimated that over 25million people can trace their roots back to the original Mayflower Pilgrims. Some 10.2 million of these are located in the USA. Doncaster is working as part of national project to raise the profile of England and the historical connections we have with the rest of the world.

The event starts at 9.45am. Please book in advance by emailing [email protected]