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”
