Southwark, London
The Mayflower story and Southwark’s role in that historic voyage are deeply intertwined. Rotherhithe has a long seafaring and ship building history and was the place where Christopher Jones, the captain and part owner of the ship, and many of the crew lived.
In July 1620 the Mayflower sailed from Rotherhithe to join another ship, the Speedwell, coming from Holland in Southampton. When the Speedwell sprang a serious leak the ships were forced to stop in Plymouth where passengers and provisions were crowded onto the Mayflower. Carrying something like 150 passengers and crew she set off again on 6 September 1620.
The Mayflower carried not only those escaping religious persecution (the “Saints”) but also other people who are perhaps less familiar in the popular imagination.
The majority of passengers were going for non-religious reasons and were making the journey because they were servants, merchant adventurers or traders, known as the “Strangers”. All of them were counted as Pilgrims. In addition there was the crew, a few of whom we know for certain were from Rotherhithe but it is likely others were too.
After an arduous journey to America, a terrible winter, sickness and hardship the ship and surviving crew returned to Rotherhithe.
Jones died, worn out by the hardships and was buried at St Mary’s church. The Mayflower may also have ended her life in Rotherhithe too and was most likely broken up a few years later as Rotherhithe was also a ship breaking port.
The School House
St Mary's Church, Christopher Jones Plaque
The Mayflower Pub
Brunel Museum
Shakespeare's Globe
Borough Market
Old School
Tate Modern
Illuminate Rotherhithe
Illuminate Rotherhithe Procession
Illuminate Rotherhithe Procession, Octopus
Southwark Cathedral
St Mary's Church, Rotherhithe
Christopher Jones statue
The Mayflower Descendants Book
Visiting Southwark
Rotherhithe is in the London Borough of Southwark, on the Southbank of the River Thames. As an internationally-recognised cultural destination, renowned for its vibrant performing and visual arts, history and heritage, Southwark Council is working with businesses, cultural and community partners to introduce a programme of events and activities building up to 2020. This will include a specially written performance charting the history of the Mayflower journey, a talks programme and heritage trail taking in significant city landmarks, Captain Christopher Jones Statue in St Mary’s, which represents Jones looking back at England, while the child is looking towards the New World. Not to mention world-famous attractions by the Thames including Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market, Tate Modern and The Shard alongside the heritage of Charles Dickens, John Harvard and the Mayflower.
The programme will culminate in large scale performance on The River Thames to commemorate the 400th anniversary and mark Rotherhithe as the beginning of the Mayflower’s famous voyage in 1620.
Southwark Mayflower Highlights
- Attractions
- Accommodation
The Mayflower Pub
Food and drink
The Mayflower pub is a hidden gem in the heart of Rotherhithe, London.
Brunel Museum
Museum
The Museum is an educational charity run by volunteers and tells the story of one of the world’s great engineering dynasties.
Sands Films
Visitor Attraction
Independent film production facility and venue operating in an 18C listed building
FREE
Canada Water Library + Theatre
Visitor Attraction
London’s 2nd busiest library is designed by world renowned architect Piers Gough, partner at CZWG architects, the Canada Water Library opened in November 2011. The library incorporates a range of cultural and community facilities, reflecting Southwark Council’s ambition to put libraries at the heart of community life.
Surrey Docks Farm
Visitor Attraction
Surrey Docks Farm is an Interactive, Free to Enter educational farm on the banks of the Thames, London
FREE
Time and Talents
Visitor Attraction
Time & Talents is a local charity based dedicated to creating a place where everyone feels part of a community.
FREE
Borough Market
Borough Market's gourmet food market consists of up to more than 100 stalls selling fish, meats, vegetables, ciders, cheeses, breads, coffees, cakes and patisseries
FREE
Southwark Cathedral
Southwark Cathedral is the oldest gothic church in London, dating from around 1220, and is part of the Diocese of Southwark.
FREE
St. Mary’s Church
St Mary's Church, is the local Church of England parish church in Rotherhithe
The Clink Museum
Visitor Attraction
Built upon the original site of The Clink Prison, which dating back to 1144 was one of England’s oldest and most notorious prisons
London Bubble Theatre Company
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