Discover Gainsborough | News

An online programme commemorating the Mayflower Pilgrims throughout Summer 2020, 400 years on from their historic transatlantic voyage

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be bringing you short stories about that group of people who many know as the Pilgrims, as part of our summer PilgrimAGE programme to commemorate the Mayflower story in its 400th anniversary year. 

Each week we’ll consider a different theme, either connected to the lives of the Pilgrims, the places they travelled to, or themes which run throughout the history of their lives. We’ll be signposting you to interesting content connected to Pilgrims’ history and heritage, as well as what’s been happening as part of the 400th anniversary commemorations. 

Continue reading “Welcome to PilgrimAGE”

Gainsborough’s historic Pilgrim date commemorated

West Lindsey District Council is working with local partners to develop an online programme of activities that will tell the story of the Mayflower Pilgrims and their connections to Lincolnshire and the Pilgrim Roots region.

Starting on Gainsborough’s historic Pilgrim date this Sunday 10th May, a new digital campaign – PilgrimAGE – will be launched. The campaign will run throughout the summer, leading up to the 400^th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower in September and will include historical blogs, snapshots of exhibitions as well as videos, podcasts and specially commissioned digital activities.

Continue reading “Mayflower 400 programme moves online adapting to lockdown challenges”

John Smyth was a preacher in the city of Lincoln from 1600 to 1602. The Bishop of Lincoln dismissed him for his strange doctrines and forward preaching of his Puritan views (people who sought to purify the Church of England of Roman Catholic practices) that had been developing since his early days at Cambridge University.

Continue reading “Leading Separatists in the Pilgrim Roots Region”

Sir Christopher Wray of Glentworth was a cautious and conservative Lord Chief Justice under Elizabeth I, but his three children used their wealth and prestige to support radical Christianity in its struggle against authoritarian church leaders. These siblings played a key role in the development of the Mayflower Pilgrims, hosted the founders of the Baptist denomination, and trained a generation of radical preachers.

Continue reading “Separatists in the Pilgrim Roots region”

The United Reformed Church in Gainsborough stands as a memorial to John Robinson, famously known as the pastor to the Pilgrims and one of the founders of the Separatist movements.

He led the Pilgrims to the Dutch town of Leiden, helping them plan their pioneering voyage of the Mayflower. However he would never make the journey. He was instrumental in planning a second Pilgrim voyage but would tragically die before being able to live his dream.

Continue reading “Leading Separatists in the Pilgrim Roots region”

William Bradford was born in 1590 in Austerfield near Doncaster which forms part of the Pilgrim Roots region.

Bradford was a member of the Scrooby congregation and also prominent in the churches both at Leiden and Plymouth. He became the second elected Governor of the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts in 1621 and continued to serve the Colony for almost 30 years.

Continue reading “Leading Separatists in the Pilgrim Roots Region”

William Brewster was born around 1566 in Scooby, which forms part of the Pilgrim Roots region.

Brewster was one of the original Separatists who became inspired by the radical words of Richard Clifton, the rector of the nearby village of Babworth. He was instrumental in establishing a Separatist church with Richard Clifton, using Scrooby Manor for meetings with other like-minded people such as John Smyth (from Lincoln) and John Robinson (from Sturton-le-Steeple).

Prior to this, he appears to have been a member of the Gainsborough separatist church led by John Smyth who had a strong influence on the Mayflower Pilgrims. They were also thought to have worshipped in secret at Gainsborough Old Hall by kind permission of its owner, Sir William Hickman.

Continue reading “Leading Separatists in the Pilgrim Roots Region”

Discover the historic market town of Gainsborough, Lincolnshire just 30 minutes from the City of Lincoln and close to the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Discover Gainsborough is managed by West Lindsey District Council and is dedicated to promoting Gainsborough and the surrounding as area as a place to visit and enjoy.

Find fascinating places to visit as well as fun filled activities for all the family. You can also get out and explore the area with the various walking and cycling opportunities right on your doorstep.

Continue reading “Welcome to Gainsborough!”