Mayflower 400

The 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower from the UK to America took place in 2020. The Mayflower and her sister ship, The Speedwell, set sail from West Quay on 15 August 1620, carrying 102 passengers. Around 40 of these were the Puritan Separatists who have become known as America’s Founding Fathers. Documents that they created on board the ship went on to provide the foundations of the American constitution.

The Mayflower was an important world changing event which has had both positive and negative impact. The anniversary provides a moment to reflect upon this history and creates a platform to help us explore and shape a present and future informed by lessons of the past.

Mayflower 400 was an opportunity to celebrate Southampton, a city and a community, built on journeys and migration. An opportunity to tell our city’s story in all its richness. We will celebrate all the people of the world who have made Southampton their home and those have found sanctuary here. We will work to ensure Southampton continues to be a welcoming city.

More information on Southampton’s Mayflower Programme or how to get involved can be found on Visit Southampton.

Image: Anne Vickers - Created in collaboration with Holyrood Residents Association, funded by the SCC Decent Neighbourhoods Project.