Celebrating Gainsborough's link to the Mayflower and Pilgrims' escape from England

‘Flight of the Separatists’, which had to be postponed last year due to the pandemic, will take place on Saturday, July 17.

Coun Paul Howitt-Cowan, member champion for heritage and leisure at West Lindsey District Council, said that he was delighted the town will get to pay tribute to its historic roots.

He said: “The story of the Pilgrims’ escape from England and their connection with Gainsborough is one that has a deep connection within the town.

"To be able to mark the 400th anniversary of this story, in the grounds of such an iconic, historic venue, will be a perfect opportunity to make up for missing out on the opportunity last summer.

“As a historic market town, Gainsborough has a rich and incredible history – and this is yet another opportunity for locals and visitors to come out, learn, experience and enjoy the belated 400th anniversary year of the Mayflower story!

“I urge everybody to come and enjoy the event and all the festivities on offer.”

Adam Saunders, site manager at Gainsborough Old Hall, said: “We are delighted to be hosting this exciting event in the gardens of the Old Hall.

"English Heritage is keen to continue with the tradition of the Hall being at the very heart of the community and we hope that those attending will also take a look inside at the changes we’ve made as a result of our recent investment project.”

The Flight of the Separatists commemorates the Pilgrims’ escape from England in search of religious freedom via Gainsborough.

In May 1608, some of the Pilgrim Separatists fled from the town on a barge up the River Trent. Others went over land to an isolated place on the coast near Immingham. They met a Dutch ship and many of the men escaped, leaving their wives and children behind after they were seen by the authorities. Eventually, they were all reunited in Amsterdam.

The special event will open at 10am through to 4pm. Visitors will be able to enjoy free performances from Rhubarb Theatre in the afternoon with performances at 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

You can also find out more about Pilgrims’ history and local heritage trails from the Pilgrim Roots heritage project and a new temporary exhibition.

Pilgrim period re-enactors will be setting up camp in the Old Hall’s grounds, featuring free demonstrations throughout the day of activities from four hundred years ago – including rope making, surgery, music, candle and pottery making, felt hat making, toys and games.

Access to the Old Hall’s café, grounds and the temporary Pilgrims’ exhibition is free for this event.

Usual admission charges and a booking system apply for entry to the Old Hall.

For event updates and further information in line with current regulations, visit discovergainsborough.com.

The third edition of Radical Routes, an online magazine, is also out now. The magazine takes a close look at the Mayflower story, its myths and legends, and aspects that may have been over-looked or need reinterpretation to include previously hidden history.

To read the summer edition of Radical Routes visit www.discovergainsborough.com/radicalroutes.

Previous editions are also available, looking at the themes ‘Journeys’, ‘Challenging Myths’, and how the Pilgrims’ story still resonates today.

Radical Routes is produced by Writing East Midlands on behalf of West Lindsey District Council, the University of Lincoln’s Transported programme, which brings arts to people in Boston Borough and South Holland, and Bassetlaw’s ‘The Few to the Many’ project, as an arts-led response to the region’s role in the Pilgrims’ heritage story.

To find out more about Gainsborough’s connections to the Mayflower story visit www.discovergainsborough.com/pilgrimroots.

For regular updates follow @Discovergains on Facebook or Instagram, or find Discover Gainsborough on Facebook.