MAYFLOWER 2020
In 1620, the Mayflower and the Speedwell set sail from Southampton for the New World with Pilgrims, passengers and crew onboard, but they were forced to put into Dartmouth to repair the leaking Speedwell. The ship was “thorowly searcht from steme to steme [and] some leaks were found & mended”; and then they waited several days for a fair wind. When they set sail again the Speedwell continued to leak, so they returned to Plymouth. “No spetiall leake could be founde”, but the Speedwell was abandoned, and the Mayflower set off alone. According to William Bradford’s account, the Speedwell’s master and crew “plotted this strategem to free themselves”.
During 2020, in common with 11 other destinations throughout the UK, Netherlands and the US, Dartmouth will be commemorating 400 years since the Pilgrims set sail for America, and the part our town played in that story. A major programme of activities are planned during 2020, including arts and culture events, educational projects and the opening of a Heritage Trail through the town.
The maritime focus of these events will be Mayflower Week – 29 August to 5 September 2020 – there will be a variety of activities on the river, between Totnes and the Harbour mouth, including fun races and ship visits.
The week will start on 29 August with a “day sail” for local disabled and disadvantaged young people in SV Tenacious, followed on 30 Aug by a Grand River Pageant involving local and visiting craft of all types, led by Matthew of Bristol and Pilgrim of Brixham representing Mayflower and Speedwell respectively.
92 Dart Harbour Ch 11 DARTNAV DARTHAVEN MARINA YEARBOOK 2020
MAYFLOWER HERITAGE TRAIL
Dartmouth’s Mayflower Heritage Trail tells a local story, and its relationship with the wider voyage undertaken by the Pilgrims. It paints a picture of 17th century Dartmouth, as it was when the Pilgrims sailed into the harbour in 1620. Dartmouth’s Trail is linked to the National Mayflower Trail that charts the story of the Pilgrims from their birthplaces to their settlement in the New World. You can download the Mayflower Self-Guided Tours app (
www.mayflower400uk.org/ app), an innovative and informative free app that provides users with free, easy to follow self-guided tours of the UK towns, cities and villages connected to the Mayflower, including the Dartmouth Town Trail.
Dartmouth’s Town Trail is marked by a series of wonderful bronze markers, created by Tom Leaper, a South West artist. Look out for these around town together with information boards such as one at Bayards Cove. A free Trail Map leaflet is also available detailing the location and history of each point of interest. Copies are available from the Dartmouth Visitor Centre and other pick up points in the town.
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